Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Perianal Crohn's Disease

Abstract

Unfortunately, perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD) is notoriously difficult to cure. The ulceration and inflammation in CD which leads to fistulizing disease is the likely reason fistulas are notoriously difficult to treat. Most studies which evaluated the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in perianal CD had small sample sizes, which warranted wider clinical trials. Some of the available data were case reports, small case series or single arm small studies. The largest pivotal trial published to date which evaluated efficacy and safety of MSCs in perianal fistulas in CD was entitled the Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Induction of Remission in Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's disease trial. MCS administration retains a high potential value in the treatment of perianal CD.