Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Treatment for Women with Genital Lichen Sclerosus

Abstract

Background: Lichen Sclerosus (LS) is a debilitating disease that causes chronic inflammation most commonly noted in the anogenital region. Many patients with genital Lichen Sclerosus report unsuccessful results with standard treatment options including steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and/or hormone therapy. These patients presented to our clinic seeking autologous adipose-derived stem cell treatment (AASCT). Methods: Data was collected through questionnaires regarding disease symptoms on a daily basis and quality of life indicators. Questionnaires were completed by patients before and three months post AASCT. One hundred and eleven consecutive women who presented to our clinic from 2011 to 2015 with symptomatic, clinically apparent or biopsy proven genital Lichen Sclerosus were given the questionnaires and 100 of these patients completed both questionnaires. Results: The questionnaires were statistically analyzed to compare improvement in symptoms before and three months after AASCT. The improvement in every symptom was statistically significant (P<0.001). These symptoms included: itching, burning, pain, discomfort, blisters, ulcers, fusing, tearing, and fissures. Improvement in ability to carry out daily activities (such as voiding, bowel movements, exercising, intercourse, and wearing pants/ underwear) also showed substantial improvement that was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: Given the results, we can confidently say that AASCT is a promising new alternative treatment for patients suffering from Lichen Sclerosus. Additional AASCT may provide patients with further improvement in their symptoms. At present, long term follow-up is being conducted by our clinic to evaluate the course of the disease and the duration of improvements achieved from this treatment.