Condition group
Autoimmune conditions
Conditions in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Selected severe cases may be treated using the person’s own stem cells.
Conditions in this group
Grouped by the part transplant usually plays. Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatment and the person’s health.
Usually the person’s own cells 2
When transplant is used, it usually returns the person’s own cells after intensive treatment. This is called an autologous transplant; no donor is involved in that procedure.
- In-depth guide
Early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
Early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis is a form of systemic autoimmune disease involving blood vessels, skin thickening and potentially internal-organ fibrosis. It is distinct from localized scleroderma and from other systemic-sclerosis patterns.
Usually the person’s own cells - In-depth guide
Highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS)
Highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with continuing relapses or new disease activity despite treatment. Damage to myelin and nerve fibers can affect movement, sensation, vision and other functions.
Usually the person’s own cells
Limited transplant role 6
Other treatments are usual. Transplant may be considered in selected circumstances or research settings, as described on the condition page.
- In-depth guide
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
CIDP is an immune-mediated disorder of peripheral nerves and their roots. Damage to myelin can cause progressive or relapsing weakness, altered sensation and difficulty with movement.
Limited transplant role - In-depth guide
Crohn’s disease
Crohn disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect different parts of the digestive tract. It can cause diarrhea, pain, weight loss, intestinal narrowing, fistulas and complications outside the bowel.
Limited transplant role - In-depth guide
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect skin, joints, blood, kidneys, the nervous system and other organs. Disease activity and the combination of affected organs vary widely.
Limited transplant role - In-depth guide
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that disrupts signaling from nerves to muscles. Weakness can affect the eyes, face, limbs, swallowing or breathing and often varies over time.
Limited transplant role - In-depth guide
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is an inflammatory central-nervous-system disease that often affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. Many cases involve aquaporin-4 antibodies targeting astrocytes; it is distinct from multiple sclerosis.
Limited transplant role - In-depth guide
Stiff-person syndrome and spectrum disorders
Stiff-person spectrum disorders can cause marked muscle stiffness and painful spasms, often triggered by movement or sensory stimuli. Immune mechanisms are involved, but the spectrum includes different antibody and clinical patterns.
Limited transplant role
Other condition groups
Understanding transplant
Understanding can become action.
Some patients need a blood stem cell donor. Others receive different treatment. Wherever your interest began, you can help more people find the donor they need.
Join the registry
JBF points you to the official registry that serves your country. It explains who can join and what donation involves.
Help someone you love find a donor
If someone you love needs a donor, our family guide explains practical ways to help. A registration drive can add many potential donors at once, for them and for others.
Support this work
Gifts to the Jada Bascom Foundation support donor-awareness education like this page, community outreach, drive planning and referrals to official registries.
