Can autologous cell-based therapy address the persistent challenge of poor healing in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU)? A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Endocrinology suggests that this approach may improve healing outcomes without increasing adverse events.

The analysis included 26 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2,214 patients with DFU. Studies were identified through PubMed and Embase up to November 2025. The intervention involved autologous cell therapy, while control groups received standard care. Outcomes assessed included complete ulcer healing, percentage reduction in ulcer area, and time to healing. Data were pooled using RevMan 5.3.

Autologous cell therapy was associated with a higher rate of complete healing compared with control treatment (reported RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.45-0.65). A greater reduction in ulcer area was also observed (mean difference 24.6%; 95% CI 18.3-30.9; P<0.001). Healing time was shorter by 48.8 days (95% CI −74.19 to −23.48; P=0.0002). There were no statistically significant differences in adverse outcomes, including amputation and mortality.

These findings indicate that autologous cell therapy may improve wound healing while maintaining a comparable safety profile in this population.