Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Novel Treatment Modalities in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints’ cartilage lining and can cause considerable pain and disability. Despite new therapeutic protocols like applying biologicals and prescribing targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), current strategies still face many limitations and obstacles, and patients cannot achieve the desired treatment services. With the recent evolution of science and technology, the importance and significance of precision medicine, regenerative medicine, and current technologies are increasingly recognized. The application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is one of the most discussed novel therapeutic modalities, as their immunomodulatory and regenerative effects have been witnessed in many other studies. Until today, several clinical trials have assessed the effects of MSCs in treating RA. Among them, many have proven to be safe and tolerable. This chapter reviews studies that have used MSC as the most anticipated innovative treatment method for RA patients.