Stem cells offer new hope for scleroderma patient

An experimental stem-cell treatment has meant a “180-degree” turn in the health of an Ontario scleroderma patient. There were no treatments that worked to stop the disease. His doctor gave him just months to live. The disease, an autoimmune disorder of unknown cause, eventually attacks the lungs and other internal organs.

The treatment began last June, when doctors harvested stem cells from Muscat’s body. Then powerful chemotherapy drugs were used to kill off his malfunctioning immune system that was causing the scleroderma. His purified stem cells were reintroduced to his body, with the goal of resetting his immune system and halting progression of the disease.

Since June, he’s noticed his range of motion has improved, the tightness has diminished. Slowly he’s been able to regain use of his hands to the point that he is now able to fix and drive his beloved sports car again.