Is stem cell therapy for Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) worth it?
Placental MSC infusion is not an evidence-based lower-risk substitute for autologous HSCT or established systemic-sclerosis treatment. Investigational MSC access is most defensible within a registered clinical trial. Autologous HSCT may be considered for carefully selected severe early diffuse disease only through a specialist multidisciplinary programme after explicit assessment of treatment-related mortality and cardiopulmonary risk.
How stem cells are studied for Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is an autoimmune disease involving fibrosis and vascular and immune dysfunction that may affect skin and internal organs. Two very different approaches must not be conflated. Autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is an intensive specialist treatment considered in selected people with severe, early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis after careful cardiopulmonary risk assessment. Placental or other mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) products remain investigational and have not established the same clinical role. The registry table on this page lists relevant studies and their current recruitment status.
Am I a candidate? → · Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis): full overview → · Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) cost → · Cost →
Evidence checked against ISSCR, FDA and EMA guidance. See our editorial standards. This is information, not medical advice. Educational information, not medical advice; figures indicative.
Sources & further reading
More on this condition
- Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis): cell-therapy evidence and registered trials
- How much does stem cell therapy for Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) cost? (2026)
- Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) stem cell therapy — your questions answered (2026)
- Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis): cell-therapy evidence by therapy class
- MSC vs HSCT for Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis): what the registries show