Recently, doctors have tried to use stem cell therapy to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). Research has yielded moderately positive results, but stem cell therapy is not yet an established treatment for UC.

Barring a total proctocolectomy (surgery to remove the entire colon and rectum), there is currently no medical cure for ulcerative colitis.

However, researchers are constantly working on new treatments to induce and sustain UC remissions. A UC remission is when someone’s symptoms become less serious or frequent.

This article looks at a new experimental treatment for UC, stem cell therapy.

A scientist examining stem cells for ulcerative colitis. -1Share on Pinterest
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Although scientists have developed several treatment options for UC, research on new treatments continues. Recently, there has been some interest in using stem cell therapy for UC.

As a 2022 review explains, stem cells are a special type of cell that does not yet have a specific function.

These cells can grow into different kinds of cells in response to various biological prompts. Stem cell therapy uses those prompts to make stem cells grow in specific ways. This can have a positive effect on certain conditions.

In people with UC, there is damage to the cells that line the inner colon. By stimulating stem cells inside the colon, scientists could encourage them to replace the damaged ones. Scientists have tried to do this in two main ways.

Hematopoietic stem cell therapy

The 2022 review previously mentioned explains that scientists have tried using hematopoietic stem cells to treat UC. They naturally develop into blood cells, like platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells.

Scientists can remove some hematopoietic stem cells from a donor’s blood or bone marrow. They can then transplant them into an individual’s colon.

There is some evidence that hematopoietic stem cells can have a modest positive impact on UC. However, scientists have observed more significant benefits when using this method to treat Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s and UC are related conditions, which scientists label inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy

Mesenchymal stem cells are different from typical stem cells. Scientists can collect these from various organs.

Some evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cell therapy can help reduce symptoms of UC. It can also reduce inflammation in the colon.

However, as with hematopoietic stem cell therapy, much of this research has focused on Crohn’s disease.

Although some stem cell therapies seem to have a positive effect on UC, more research into the topic is needed. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved stem cell therapy for UC. However, this treatment option may one day become available.

Should that occur, the 2022 research review details what an individual could expect from UC stem cell therapy.

For instance, if the individual were their own donor, doctors would need to collect stem cells from somewhere in their body. This could involve taking samples of blood or bone marrow. It could also involve a biopsy.

Before the stem cell transplant, individuals can also expect several important screening tests. These include:

  • review of medical history
  • physical exam
  • blood tests
  • colonoscopy of the small bowel
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the pelvis, rectum, or small bowel

Importantly, a 2020 study in the journal Nature found that people tend to overestimate the possible benefits of stem cell therapy.

For individuals to not risk disappointment, it is best for them to narrow their expectations of any future UC stem cell therapies at the moment, as research is still ongoing.

For now, stem cell therapy remains an experimental treatment for UC. There is no reliable data on the outlook for people who have this condition and have received stem cell treatment.

Generally speaking, a 2022 article notes that UC does not make a difference in life expectancy. This is in spite of the fact that UC does increase the risk of developing serious conditions, including toxic megacolon and colon cancer.

It is possible to manage ulcerative colitis, and many people experience a remission in symptoms after following doctor-recommended treatments and lifestyle changes.

Learn more about ulcerative colitis medications and other treatments.

This section answers some frequently asked questions about stem cells and ulcerative colitis.

Can stem cells cure ulcerative colitis?

Currently, there is insufficient data to inform the effective use of stem cells for curing ulcerative colitis. However, stem cells may one day prove helpful in managing symptoms of UC.

Has anyone ever recovered from ulcerative colitis?

Currently, UC is a lifelong condition, although medication can greatly reduce the incidence and severity of UC symptoms.

UC is currently an incurable inflammatory condition. It affects a person’s colon, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, and bloody diarrhea. However, treatment can help make these symptoms less severe.

Scientists have tried to use stem cell therapy to treat UC. This medical technique uses stem cells, which can grow into several types of cells.

By placing stem cells into the colon, scientists hope to stimulate the growth of healthier colon tissue.

For now, studies into stem cell therapy for UC have found only limited benefits. Stem cell therapy for UC does not currently have FDA approval.