Human mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the management of luminal and perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease - review of pathomechanism and existing clinical data.

Clinical trials demonstrated that MSC transplantation has an outstanding, durable efficacy with low fistula recurrence in biological therapy-refractory fistulizing CD; however, further clinical trials are required to confirm its effectiveness in luminal CD. Unlike to biological therapy, MSCs are able to promote the regeneration process of damaged tissues as well. This additional benefit besides their sustained immunosuppressive effect with no decrease of efficiency over time makes MSCs a new, highly potential therapeutic approach in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.