Peripheral neuropathy — damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord — produces symptoms ranging from burning pain and numbness to weakness and loss of coordination. Causes include diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), chemotherapy, autoimmune disease, and idiopathic origins. Conventional treatment is symptom management; MSC therapy aims to support nerve repair and reduce the inflammatory nerve damage driving progression.
How MSCs Support Peripheral Nerve Repair
MSCs secrete VEGF and BDNF, which promote axonal regeneration and Schwann cell function — the cells that form the myelin sheath around peripheral nerves. In animal models of diabetic and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, MSC administration consistently demonstrates nerve fiber density improvement, reduced inflammatory cytokines in nerve tissue, and improved conduction velocity.
Clinical Evidence
Phase I/II trials in diabetic peripheral neuropathy have shown improvements in nerve conduction velocity, reduction in VAS pain scores, and improvement in quantitative sensory testing (QST) at 3–6 months post-treatment. The strongest responses are seen when nerve damage is still in the demyelinating phase; severe axonal loss limits regenerative potential.
Which Type of Neuropathy Responds Best
Diabetic neuropathy, autoimmune neuropathy (Guillain-Barré residuals, CIDP), and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy all have evidence supporting MSC benefit. Hereditary neuropathies (Charcot-Marie-Tooth) are being studied but data are more preliminary. Your physician will assess your neuropathy type, severity, and underlying cause on the evaluation call.