# Efficacy of Autologous Conditioned Serum on the Dorsal Root Ganglion in Patients with Chronic Radicular Pain: Prospective Randomized Placebo-Controlled Double Blind Clinical Trial (RADISAC Trial)

## TL;DR

This study finds that adding autologous conditioned serum to pulsed radiofrequency treatment reduces short-term radicular pain in patients.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates that autologous conditioned serum is a safe and effective short-term adjunct to pulsed radiofrequency for chronic radicular pain.

## Key findings

- ACS combined with PRF significantly reduced pain at 30 days compared to placebo.
- Neuropathic symptoms like tingling and numbness improved significantly in the ACS group.
- No adverse effects were observed with ACS treatment.

## Abstract

Background: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) applied to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) has been proposed as an effective neuromodulator treatment for persistent radicular pain. Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) therapy, derived from the patient’s own blood, offers a conservative approach. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ACS applied to the DRG as an adjunct in treating lower limb radicular pain (LLRP). Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted comparing PRF combined with ACS versus PRF with physiological saline (PhS) on the DRG. Seventy patients (35 per group) with radicular pain lasting ≥6 months and refractory to previous treatments were enrolled. The primary outcome measure was the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS); secondary measures included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Mood Assessment Scale (MOAS), SF-12 quality of life questionnaire, and DN4 neuropathic pain scale. Assessments occurred at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-intervention. Results: A total of 70 patients were included. The ACS group showed a significant reduction in pain compared to controls at 30 days (p < 0.05). Additionally, neuropathic symptoms such as tingling, numbness, stubbing, and burning decreased significantly in the ACS group during this period (p < 0.05). While both groups experienced pain reduction over time, no significant differences persisted at 6 months. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: The addition of ACS to PRF provides a short-term, statistically significant reduction in radicular pain at 30 days, suggesting it is a safe and effective adjunct therapy for lower limb radicular pain.