Crohns Disease: Hematopoietic and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy as Potential Treatment

Abstract

Brianna Weir and Vincent S Gallicchio

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to comprehensively review literature to determine the safety and efficacy of stem cells for the treatment of Crohn’s disease and compare the effects of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to that of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Results: The data search included 5 animal models and clinical trials found on PubMed. The 5 studies included for HSCs and the 15 trails for MSCs found them to be a safe and effective as a treatment option (allogeneic and autologous bone marrow and adipose derived) for CD except for one multicenter randomized trial for HSC therapy. Most trials investigate the impact of stem cells specifically on perianal fistula, a common occurrence in patients with CD.

Conclusion: While both HSCs and MSCs proved their safety and efficacy, MSC studies showed a greater therapeutic effect over HSCs. Adipose MSCs and Bone Marrow Derived MSCs reached similar clinical healing rates, with studies backing support for both sides. Across the board, autologous stem cell transplants proved to be safer and more effective compared to their allogeneic counterparts.

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