Biological Therapies in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review Publisher



Tomaszewski M ; Pruc M ; Fudalej P ; Chirico F ; Al Jeabory M ; Khabbache H ; Ansari M ; Faghih Jouibari M ; Szarpak L
Source: Iranian Rehabilitation Journal Published:2026

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of biological therapies in treating knee osteoarthritis (OA), focusing on platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and stem cell therapies. Methods: A comprehensive review of studies from the past decade was conducted, utilizing databases, such as PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Embase. Keywords included knee OA, PRP, hyaluronic acid, and stem cell therapies. A total of 67 relevant studies, including reviews, original research, and meta-analyses, were analyzed. Results: Biological therapies offer significant advancements in OA management. PRP demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties and appears to enhance cartilage repair, particularly effective in early to intermediate stages. HA improves joint lubrication and mobility, suitable for mild to moderate OA. Stem cell therapies show promising results in cartilage regeneration and inflammatory modulation, particularly in advanced cases. However, challenges such as standardization, cost, and accessibility limit widespread adoption. Discussion: PRP, HA, and stem cell therapies provide innovative approaches to knee OA treatment, addressing pain, inflammation, and cartilage regeneration. Further research is essential to optimize protocols and improve accessibility, ensuring personalized and effective treatments for diverse patient populations. Copyright © 2026 The Author(s); This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-By-NC: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode.en), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.