The invention relates to methods for monitoring progression of an inflammatory condition in a subject In particular embodiments the patient is undergoing treatment of the inflammatory condition and the method comprises monitoring the level of one or more biomarkers to monitor disease progression, for example to assist the clinician in optimising the treatment regimen. In particular embodiments the subject is undergoing treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In particular embodiments the invention relates to methods of monitoring the effectiveness of autologous or allogeneic cell therapy of a patient having a condition characterised by cartilage damage or degeneration, such as OA, for example in order to assist a practitioner in determining an appropriate time to administer a further dose of cells. The invention also provides kits and components for use in the methods.
