Fact or Fiction? Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2019 Jan;23(1):65-70. doi: 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000440.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to summarize and review the evidence for the efficacy and safety of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS).

Materials and methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Ovid, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched from inception up to May 7, 2018.

Results: Seven observational studies were identified, with a total of 98 patients. Both ADSCs and PRP were reported to improve symptoms, quality of life measures, as well as clinical and histological signs of vulvar LS. There is a strong risk of biased estimates of treatment effect.

Conclusions: Current evidence is weak for ADSCs and/or PRP as treatment for vulvar LS. Further research is needed before recommending this therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cell Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus / therapy*