# Precision Assessment of Platelet Rich Plasma for Joint Preservation

> **NIH VA I01** · VETERANS ADMIN PALO ALTO HEALTH CARE SYS · 2020 · —

## Abstract

This project addresses a critical clinical need for the VA. Knee pain due to progressive
joint degeneration and eventual osteoarthritis (OA) are leading causes of disability,
particularly in Veterans who are affected by OA at greater frequency and younger ages
than the general population. Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive disease for which
current treatment is palliative until complete joint destruction occurs and prosthetic knee
replacement is performed. Cortisone injections have been widely used for more than 60
years to treat pain and swelling, but have also shown detrimental effects to articular
cartilage. This introduces high clinical need for an injection therapy to improve joint pain
and function while preserving cartilage health, especially in those with early disease
where there is substantial remaining articular cartilage. Recently, intra-articular
autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections have gained traction as a promising
new treatment for knee OA that can not only provide symptomatic relief but also
potentially contribute growth factors to stimulate endogenous joint repair processes.
However, the mechanisms of action of PRP are unknown as are the clinical outcomes in
Veterans. Our preliminary data also shows substantial variability between individuals in
the biological composition of autologous PRP. In this era of personalized and precision
medicine, we propose to examine the outcomes of PRP treatment, and whether
individual differences in PRP composition correlate with objective metrics of changes to
ambulatory function and cartilage matrix structure following PRP injection treatment for
early knee OA in Veterans. Achieving the Aims of this proposal will determine whether
intra-articular injection of autologous platelet enriched plasma to treat early knee OA in
Veterans and additional women, given within the actual clinical setting, results in positive
treatment effects. The information gained will also fill critical knowledge gaps by
elucidating potential mechanisms of action for PRP injections in the treatment of
symptomatic early knee OA and combining objective scientific assessment (gait analysis
and MRI) with standard patient-reported outcomes (PRO). Finally, the new knowledge
gained will improve clinical care by informing on factors important to optimal patient
selection for this new treatment.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9882163
- **Project number:** 5I01RX002452-03
- **Recipient organization:** VETERANS ADMIN PALO ALTO HEALTH CARE SYS
- **Principal Investigator:** CONSTANCE R CHU
- **Activity code:** I01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-04-01 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9882163

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9882163, Precision Assessment of Platelet Rich Plasma for Joint Preservation (5I01RX002452-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9882163. Licensed CC0.

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