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Stem Cell Transplant for Lupus - Topic Overview

Stem cell transplantation is the replacement of damaged bone marrow cells with healthy cells, or stem cells. It is generally done after powerful drugs have been used to wipe out the damaged immune system (immunoablation).

Stem cells are immature cells that are produced in the bone marrow. They can divide to produce more stem cells or mature into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In an experimental procedure, a small number of people with lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) have successfully been treated with their own stem cells.¹

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Understanding Lupus -- the Basics

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakes the body's own tissues as foreign invaders and attacks them. Some people with lupus suffer only minor inconvenience. Others suffer significant lifelong disability. Lupus affects people of African, Asian, or Native American descent three times as often as it affects whites. Nine out of 10 people with lupus are women. The disease usually strikes between age 15 and 45, although it can occur in older individuals. There...

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Stem cell transplantation has serious risks. After a person's stem cells have been collected from the bloodstream, they are returned to the bloodstream along with a stem cell growth factor. If successful, the stem cells help the bone marrow return to a healthy state. However, during the two weeks that the immune system requires to become strong again, the body is extremely vulnerable to life-threatening infection.

Although several people have been disease-free at about 25 months after stem cell transplantation, this procedure is considered a high-risk, expensive, and experimental treatment for lupus.¹

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 07, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.