Reduced-intensity bone marrow transplant for scleroderma

Research presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, DC, this week looked at bone marrow (stem cell) transplantation as a treatment for severe scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder which affects the skin, joints, and internal organs. Instead of the typical bone marrow transplant (which has a lot of risks), the researchers tried a modified version which was safer and better tolerated by the individuals participating in the study. The researchers found that this modified transplant improved the participants' skin, and their heart, lung, and kidney functions stabilized (did not get worse). After about 2 years, the overall survival rate was 90%, and 70% of the participants had no worsening of their scleroderma symptoms.