Nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants: any role for rheumatoid arthritis?

Recent studies have suggested limited efficacy of high dose cyclophosphamide and autologous stem cell transplant as a treatment for severe rheumatoid arthritis. Preclinical data and anecdotal evidence from human transplants suggest that greater efficacy and possible cures might be achieved through use of allogeneic transplants. Newer less intensive methods of allogeneic transplantation have been introduced that reduce morbidity and mortality of the procedure. This article reviews the possible role of the so-called nonmyeloablative transplants in the treatnent of RA.