Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) for autoimmune diseases; A decade long clinical experience - a promising new chapter

In the last decade the transplant field has achieved significant progress in development of protocols suitable for autoimmune diseases. While providing valuable knowledge, much of the progress has involved trial-and-error modifications of existing protocols used in oncology. This review summarizes recent developments in autologous stem cell transplant including the results of international phase I/II clinical trials and the Northwestern protocol, which achieved low treatment related mortality in lupus patients. A comparative analysis of the Johns Hopkins trial on lupus patients using high dose cyclophosphamide without stem cell rescue is included. Information on ongoing trials and upcoming promising modalities based on allogeneic stem cells are also discussed.