Crohn’s Disease: Hematopoietic and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy as Potential Treatment

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to comprehensively review literature to determine the safety and efficacy of stemcells for the treatment of Crohn’s disease and compare the effects of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to that of mesenchymalstem cells (MSCs).Results: The data search included 5 animal models and clinical trials found on PubMed. The 5 studies included for HSCsand the 15 trails for MSCs found them to be a safe and effective as a treatment option (allogeneic and autologous bonemarrow and adipose derived) for CD except for one multicenter randomized trial for HSC therapy. Most trials investigatethe 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 effectover HSCs. Adipose MSCs and Bone Marrow Derived MSCs reached similar clinical healing rates, with studies backingsupport for both sides. Across the board, autologous stem cell transplants proved to be safer and more effective comparedto their allogeneic counterparts.