Thank you for your interest in autologous stem cell transplantation for Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Our center is offering Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (AHCT) as a treatment for select patients with systemic sclerosis. This treatment is available to patients who demonstrate evidence of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).
Our team of transplant physicians/researchers has previous experience with stem cell transplantation for diffuse Systemic Sclerosis. Given our own experience as well as international experience, patients must meet the following selection criteria:
- Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) according to American College of Rheumatology Criteria
- Less than or equal to 2 years since development of first sign of skin thickening and modified Rodnan skin score of 30 or more
- Less than or equal to 2 years since development of first sign of skin thickening and modified Rodnan skin score of 20 or more and disease involvement of trunk of body and abnormal blood values (low hemoglobin)
- Less than or equal to 7 years since development of first sign of skin thickening and modified Rodnan skin score of 15 or more, and major organ involvement (documented by your physician with significant worsening in the previous 2 years) as defined by: either pulmonary (lung) disease or renal (kidney) disease
AHCT as a treatment plan for SSc was previously available only as part of a research trial. This has changed based on evidence reviewed in a recent publication of SSc treatment throughout the U.S. and Canada.
If you think you meet the criteria above, please contact our new patient coordinators at (720) 754-4835.