Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with refractory Crohn's disease

Yu Oyama*, Robert M. Craig, Ann E. Traynor, Kathleen Quigley, Laisvyde Statkute, Amy Halverson, Mary Brush, Larissa Verda, Barbara Kowalska, Nela Krosnjar, Morris Kletzel, Peter F. Whitington, Richard K. Burt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

240 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background & Aims: Crohn's disease (CD) is an immunologically mediated inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to a high morbidity and/or an increase in mortality in refractory cases, a new treatment approach is needed. In theory, maximum immune ablation by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can induce a remission. Methods: We conducted a phase 1 HSCT study in 12 patients with refractory CD. Candidates were younger than 60 years of age with a Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) of 250-400 despite conventional therapies including infliximab. Peripheral blood stem cells were mobilized with cyclophosphamide and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and CD34+ enriched. The immune ablative (conditioning) regimen consisted of 200 mg/kg cyclophosphamide and 90 mg/kg equine antithymocyte globulin. Results: The procedure was well tolerated with anticipated cytopenias, neutropenic fever, and disease-related fever, diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. The median days for neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 9.5 (range, 8-11) and 9 (range, 9-18), respectively. The initial median CDAI was 291 (range, 250-358). Symptoms and CDAI improved before hospital discharge, whereas radiographic and colonoscopy findings improved gradually over months to years following HSCT. Eleven of 12 patients entered a sustained remission defined by a CDAI ≤150. After a median follow-up of 18.5 months (range, 7-37 months), only one patient has developed a recurrence of active CD, which occurred 15 months after HSCT. Conclusions: Autologous HSCT may be performed safely and has a marked salutary effect on CD activity. A randomized study will be needed to confirm the efficacy of this therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)552-563
Number of pages12
JournalGastroenterology
Volume128
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2005

Funding

Supported by a grant from the Broad Foundation (Los Angeles, CA).

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology

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