Stem Cells in Pain Medicine: Advancing Regeneration and Longevity

Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent, disabling medical conditions worldwide, significantly affecting both the quality and length of life. Traditional pharmacologic approaches, particularly opioid-based therapies, are limited by safety concerns and limited long-term efficacy. Regenerative medicine and stem cell–based interventions target the underlying pathophysiology of pain rather than suppressing symptoms. Stem cells have demonstrated potential to repair or replace damaged tissues, modulate neuroinflammation, and restore function. In addition to symptom relief, these approaches may have broader implications for tissue health and longevity by promoting repair, resilience, and healthy aging.

This research topic aims to critically assess the application of stem cell and regenerative therapies for pain management, with a focus on translational pathways from bench to bedside. Key questions include:
How can stem cell–based therapies be optimized for efficacy, durability, and safety in chronic pain conditions?
What mechanisms underlie their analgesic and regenerative effects?
How do these interventions influence systemic health and aging processes?
By synthesizing basic, clinical, and translational evidence, this topic seeks to guide the development of precise, mechanism-based regenerative therapies that address both pain control and the promotion of healthy tissue function over the lifespan. We aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between pain specialists, regenerative medicine researchers, stem cell biologists, and longevity scientists to accelerate the clinical utility of stem cell therapies for pain management.

We welcome submissions across the continuum of research—from mechanistic studies to clinical trials—that address the role of stem cells in pain medicine and longevity. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Preclinical models elucidating analgesic and regenerative mechanisms of stem cells.
• Clinical trials assessing safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes in chronic pain populations.
• Stem cell–derived biologics, exosomes, platelet-rich and poor plasma, and tissue engineering strategies.
• Interactions between regenerative therapies and neuroimmune modulation in pain.
• The role of stem cell interventions in promoting musculoskeletal and neural health with aging.
• Regulatory, ethical, and implementation considerations for integrating stem cell therapies into pain practice.
We invite original basic, clinical, and translational research, reviews, brief research reports, and systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Submissions should clearly articulate the implications of findings for both pain relief and the extension of healthy function over the lifespan.

Conflict of Interest Statement:
Dr. Tolba is a consultant for Medtronic and Abbott. Dr Rosenblum is a regular speaker for SPR Therapeutics, Clarius ultrasound and Scilex. Dr. Marchesini is a consultant for Stryker, Abbott, Timed, Corios, and Avanos. Dr. Dos Santos is a consultant for Medtronic and Ibsen.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine, Chronic Pain, Longevity, Relief

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.