{
  "id": 17143584,
  "title": "Long-term follow-up tracks benefits and risks of stem cell transplants for severe systemic sclerosis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/long-term-follow-up-tracks-benefits-and-risks-of-stem-cell",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-29T23:30:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-10-term-tracks-benefits-stem-cell.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An international study of 80 patients with early severe systemic sclerosis found that autologous bone marrow transplantation confers long-term benefits and poses manageable risks. At 10 years after the procedure, 60% of patients experienced no further progression of their disease (progression-free survival) and 71% survived without death (overall survival). The median improvement in skin involvement was dramatic, with the median modified Rodnan skin score dropping from 24 at baseline to just 5 at 10 years. Lung function remained relatively stable, with forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide both staying at around 70% of predicted values. Importantly, 43% of patients were alive and had no need for additional immunosuppressive treatment at the 10-year mark. However, the study also identified a 6% early mortality rate attributable to the transplantation itself and a 13% non-relapse mortality rate over the long term. The study's authors emphasize that careful patient selection, pretransplant assessment, and rigorous long-term monitoring are crucial for realizing the potential benefits of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in this challenging condition.",
  "summary": "An international study reports 60% progression-free survival at 10 years after autologous bone marrow transplantation, adding evidence of sustained positive clinical outcomes and long-term safety in patients treated for early severe systemic sclerosis.",
  "key_points": [
    "Autologous bone marrow transplant benefits patients with severe systemic sclerosis",
    "60% progression-free survival and 71% overall survival at 10 years",
    "43% of patients remained treatment-free at 10-year follow-up"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}