Both, autologous and allogeneic
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be used to cure or ameliorate a variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases. The rationale behind this strategy is based on the concept of immunoablation using high-dose
chemotherapy, with subsequent regeneration of naive T-lymphocytes derived from reinfused hematopoietic progenitor cells. In addition, the use of HSCT allows for the administration of high-dose
chemotherapy (whether or not combined with
immunomodulating agents such as
antithymocyte globulin) resulting in a prompt remission in
therapy-refractory patients. This review gives an update of the major areas of successful uses of HSCT in non-malignant
gastrointestinal disorders. A Medline search has been conducted and all relevant published data were analyzed. HSCT has been proved successful in treating refractory
Crohn's disease (CD). Patients with refractory
celiac disease type II and a high risk of developing
enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma have shown promising improvement. Data concerning HSCT and mesenchymal SCT in end-stage chronic
liver diseases are encouraging. In refractory autoimmune
gastrointestinal diseases high-dose
chemotherapy followed by HSCT seems feasible and safe and might result in long-term improvement of disease activity. Mesenchymal SCT for a selected group of CD is promising and may represent a significant therapeutic alternative in treating
fistulas in CD.