Multiple Sclerosis Stem Cell Treatment: How It Works, Benefits, and What to Expect

Imagine readjusting your immune system to help it function properly- that's the promise of stem cell therapy. As a chronic disease that disrupts the spinal cord and brain, multiple sclerosis (MS) can significantly affect vision, mobility, and quality of life. Here, stem cell therapy offers a transformative approach that not only slows the progression of the disease but also helps repair the damage caused.

In this blog, we’ll explore the science, benefits, risks, and future of multiple sclerosis stem cell treatment​ in detail!

What Is Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Stem cell therapy involves using specialized cells to repair or regenerate damaged tissues. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerves.

Stem cell therapy aims to “reset” this faulty immune system and promote healing. It involves collecting healthy stem cells (often from the patient) and reintroducing them after weakening or removing the problematic immune response.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis Stem Cell Treatment

Stem cell therapy for MS is still considered experimental, with two primary types showing the most promise:

1. Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (aHSCT)

aHSCT is the most advanced stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis that aims to reset the uncontrolled immune system. A study shows that it is a promising treatment for individuals with severe, treatment-resistant relapsing-remitting MS. It uses the person's own stem cells to reform the immune system after replacing the damaged ones. 

How Does aHSCT Work?

• Stem Cell Collection: Collecting individuals' own hematopoietic (also called blood-forming) stem cells from their blood or bone marrow.

• Immune System Ablation (Conditioning): Providing high-dose chemotherapy to completely or partially remove the dysfunctional immune system that is contributing to MS.

• Stem Cell Infusion (Transplant): Infusing or transplanting the collected stem cells back into the person's body to rebuild a new and healthier immune system that is unlikely to attack the nervous system.

Recovery Timeline:

• The rebuilding of the immune system takes many weeks, so patients are monitored in the transplant center for infections and complications.

• The typical recovery period is 3-6 months or sometimes a year to heal completely.

Benefits:

• Reduces relapse rates of MS

• Slows or stops the progression of the disease

• Improves mobility, energy levels, and overall well-being

• Offers positive effects that last for 5 to 10 years or more in some people.

Risks and Downsides:

• Short-Term Risks:

1. Nausea, weakness, and fatigue from chemotherapy

2. Mouth sores or hair loss

3. High infection risk because of temporary immune suppression

• Long-Term Risks:

1. Infertility

2. Damage to organs like the lungs, heart, or liver

3. Even death, especially in high-risk and older patients (rare but severe complications)

Who It’s For:

• People younger than 50 years with severe, relapsing-remitting MS that has not responded to standard treatment,

• People having a disease duration of not more than 10 years

• Those having a low to moderate disability level

2. Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapy

This therapy is a less intensive form of treatment that utilizes stem cells from bone marrow, umbilical cord tissue, and adipose (fat tissue). Research shows that it is a promising MS treatment as it can help repair damaged tissue, adjust the immune function, and regenerate damaged neural tissue. However, unlike aHSCT, this therapy doesn't involve chemotherapy, which makes it a less invasive treatment.

How Does MSC Therapy Work?

• Stem Cell Collection: Collecting mesenchymal stem cells from the patient (autologous) or donor (allogeneic) from their adipose tissue, bone marrow, or umbilical cords.

• Cell Processing: Purifying and sometimes increasing the number of collected cells in the laboratory.

• Stem Cell Administration: Delivering the cells through spinal injection or intravenous infusion.

Recovery Timeline:

• Initial recovery takes a few days, while some patients notice effects within 2 weeks.

• However, it takes 2 to 12 weeks for full recovery.

Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation

• Better mobility, improved bladder function, reduced fatigue, and better quality of life.

• Well-tolerated and safe compared to aHSCT

• Can last for 6-24 months or even longer in certain cases

Risks and Downsides:

• Short-Term Risks:

1. Mild fever or chills after cell infusion

2. Fatigue or headache

3. Pain at the injection site (if spinally administered)

• Long-Term Risks: Long-term safety is still limited. However, it can lead to:

1. Risk of reaction or infection if donor cells are utilized

2. Failure of treatment or no clinical improvement

Who It’s For:

• People with conditions where regeneration of damaged tissues is required, like joint pain, muscular pain, tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, and other conditions.

• People with neurological disorders, autoimmune conditions, and certain types of cancer.

People interested in these two treatments should talk to the healthcare professionals regarding the benefits and risks of both therapies. Moreover, more research is happening into stem cell treatment for multiple sclerosis, where the treatment options like neural stem cell therapy, embryonic stem cell therapy, and induced pluripotent stem cell therapy are being studied.  

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

The following are the benefits:

• Lowers relapses: Can significantly reduce the risk of worsening of MS symptoms, especially in the case of relapsing-remitting MS.

• Slows down disease progression: May slow or stop the worsening of symptoms with time.

• Improves mobility and other functions: Helps with better movement, coordination, and balance.

• Reduces inflammation: Calms down the overactive immune system, which decreases inflammation and damage to the spinal cord and brain.

• Repair myelin sheath: Aids in regenerating the myelin (damaged nerve coverings), improving nerve function.

• Lowers dependence on medicines: Results in a need for fewer or no traditional medications after treatment.

• Enhances quality of life: Improves energy levels, mobility, and mental health, supporting in performing daily functions. 

While stem cell therapies promise to manage MS symptoms, they are not a cure.

The Future of Multiple Sclerosis Stem Cell Treatment

Ongoing studies and clinical trials are conducted to explore:

• More targeted and safe stem cell approaches.

• Combination of stem cells with gene therapy or high-end immune-modulating drugs.

• Customizing the treatment according to each patient's profile.

The science is advancing, stem cell treatment may convert from an experimental approach to a general, personalized treatment for multiple sclerosis. This may offer long-term suppression of the disease and improved neurological repair.

Is Stem Cell Therapy Effective and Safe for MS? 

Yes, some studies have shown effective results in managing multiple sclerosis:

• One review article shows that aHSCT helps reduce the relapses of MS. However, the author points to the need for more thorough and larger trials to compare the benefits of stem cell therapies and advanced MS treatment options like disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

• A clinical trial was conducted in 48 patients with progressive MS who were treated with MSC therapy intravenously (IV) and intrathecally (IT) (delivering the cells into the spinal cord). The doctors found that 40.6% of the MSC-IV group and 58.6% of the MSC-IT group show no sign of disease activity. This was compared with 9.7% of a placebo group.

• Another analysis monitored the 15 aHSCT trials that involved MS patients. It was found that 83% of patients did not indicate disease activity after 2 years, while 67% of individuals still had no sign of disease activity after 5 years.

However, stem cell therapy is still experimental and needs further research to determine its effectiveness and safety compared to FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies.

Is Stem Cell Therapy FDA-Approved for Multiple Sclerosis?

No, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved any stem cell therapies for multiple sclerosis treatment. Though some stem cell therapies are being studied and tested through clinical trials for multiple sclerosis and have shown some promising results, they are still considered experimental. The FDA has warned against the use of stem cells for regenerative treatments, which highlights the significance of seeking only FDA-approved treatments. 

Success Rates of Stem Cell Therapy for MS

Stem cell therapies, specifically aHSCT, have shown promising results in slowing down disability progression and lowering relapse rates in some MS patients, particularly in those with increased relapsing-remitting MS. Here are some examples of success rates from different studies:

• A study of 24 relapsing-remitting MS patients found that 69% of individuals didn't show a relapse risk or new brain lesions after five years of aHSCT.

• One meta-analysis of 4,831 patients revealed that 73% had no disability progression, 81% showed no relapse, and 68% had no sign of disease activity after five years of aHSCT.

• Another study found that 80% of MS patients remain disease-free in the long term or even follow aHSCT permanently. 

Still, individual outcomes vary, and it is not a guaranteed cure.

How Long Do the Results Last?

Stem cell therapy, specifically aHSCT, can provide long-lasting relief from MS symptoms, but it is not a permanent treatment. For some people, it can slow or stop the disease progression and lower new lesions, leading to long-term suppression. However, for other individuals, it may lead to worsening symptoms or the need for continued DMTs.

Hence, the duration of improvements may vary from one person to another based on factors like the types of stem cell therapy, the severity of the condition, and the individual's health.

How to Find Stem Cell Treatment for MS

Finding the best stem cell treatment for MS requires these strategies:

1. Consult a certified neurologist

Seeing the best neurologist can help determine the suitable stem cell therapy based on the type and severity of the disease and treatment history.

2. Look for licensed hospitals or clinical centers

Seeking hospitals or research centers that are authorized for stem cell transplantations, especially specializing in MS care or involved in clinical trials, can help receive effective treatment.

3. Search for Clinical Trials

Look for websites such as ClinicalTrials.gov, which lists the ongoing research for stem cell therapies. This can help patients know about the new treatments and better their health outcomes.

4. Ask the Ideal Questions:

• 1. Is the therapy FDA-approved, or is it still in the clinical trial phase?

  2. What are the benefits and expected risks?

  3. What types of stem cells are used?

  4. What kind of follow-up care is needed?

5. Understand the Cost & Insurance Coverage

• Costs: The cost in the US can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or higher. For instance, autologous (using a patient's own cells) stem cell therapy is typically less expensive, and allogeneic (using donor cells) therapy can be more expensive because of sourcing & compatibility testing. Moreover, the price can vary based on dosage, type of therapy, severity of the condition, and location and reputation of the clinic.

• Insurance: No insurance coverage. You have to pay yourself or get enrolled in a clinical trial that covers the treatment costs.

Final Thoughts

Multiple sclerosis stem cell treatment is a promising approach that can help manage the MS symptoms when other treatment options fail. However, it's not a cure, and also might not be suitable for everyone. So, always seek a doctor's supervision on the benefits and risks of the therapy. As research is ongoing, there is great hope that these therapies may efficiently help manage and reverse multiple sclerosis.