Stem cell shot aims to heal painful Crohn's fistulas
NCT ID NCT04519671
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early-stage study tested whether injecting donor stem cells directly into fistulas (abnormal tunnels) could help people with Crohn's disease. The trial planned to enroll 25 adults but was terminated early. The goal was to check safety and see if the treatment could lead to complete healing of the fistulas.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- donor bone marrow stem cells
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new way to help heal fistulas in people with Crohn's disease without major surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very early, small trial that was terminated, so results are limited. Stem cell treatments can have risks like infection or rejection, and it's unclear if this approach is truly effective.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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