CD34 and scleroderma: First ASSIST (Autologous Stem Cell Systemic Sclerosis Immune Suppression Trial), a single-centre, open-label phase II trial of autologous HSCT without CD34+ cell selection, had showed improvement in comparison to CYC.45 The ASTIS (Autologous Stem cell Transplantation International Scleroderma) and SCOT (Scleroderma: Cyclophosphamide Or Transplantation) trials have compared the safety and efficacy of HSCT versus monthly pulse intravenous CYC.