The trial, Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation with CD34-Selected Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC) in Pediatric and Adult Patients with Severe Crohn’s Disease is based on a novel, reduced intensity conditioning regimen, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. Potentially, autoreactive lymphocytes will be depleted in the stem cell laboratory by CD34 selection following stem cell mobilization and collection.
We anticipate that after lymphocyte depleted stem cell infusion, a normal immune system will reconstitute without recurrence of autoimmunity or to reduce disease burden even if recurrence was to take place eventually.
In addition, we propose this conditioning regimen is a safer strategy from a cardiopulmonary, urinary perspective compared to the published work from other centers, nevertheless, is paired with more intense immune suppression to lead to improved symptoms and prevent or delay Crohn’s disease recurrence.