Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease that affects the central nervous system. This disease can cause various symptoms, including numbness or tingling in the limbs, muscle weakness and difficulty with coordination and balance.

The cause of MS is unknown, and there is currently no cure. However, a revolutionary therapy called hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is offering hope to those suffering with the disease.

What is HSCT?

HSCT is a therapy that involves a transplant of stem cells into the body. These stem cells replace damaged cells in the body and create new, healthy cells. HSCT has been used to treat certain types of cancer for many years.

Recently, HSCT has been used to treat MS, with remarkable results. In fact, studies have shown that HSCT can stop the progression of MS in nearly 85% of patients.

How does HSCT work for MS?

HSCT for MS involves harvesting healthy stem cells from the patient’s own body. These stem cells are then treated with chemotherapy to destroy the patient’s current immune system.

After the chemotherapy treatment, the harvested stem cells are transplanted back into the patient’s body.

The stem cells then rebuild the patient’s immune system, creating a new and healthy immune system that does not attack the body’s own cells.

The benefits of this therapy are huge. For many MS patients, HSCT has been a life-changing treatment that has stopped the progression of the disease and greatly improved their quality of life.

Who is a candidate for HSCT?

Not everyone with MS is a candidate for HSCT. The therapy is typically reserved for patients with aggressive, relapsing forms of the disease who have failed to respond to other forms of treatment.

If you are considering HSCT as a treatment option for MS, it is important to speak with your doctor and a specialist in HSCT to determine if you are a candidate for the therapy.

What are the risks of HSCT?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with HSCT. The chemotherapy used in the therapy can cause side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.

In addition, HSCT can compromise the patient’s immune system, leaving them vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.

Patients undergoing the treatment are typically kept in isolation for several weeks following the transplant to minimize the risk of infection.

What are the long-term results of HSCT?

The long-term results of HSCT for MS are still being studied. However, early results are promising.

Studies have shown that HSCT can stop the progression of MS in nearly 85% of patients, and many patients experience significant improvements in their symptoms.

While the benefits of HSCT are clear, it is important to note that the therapy is not a cure for MS. Patients who undergo HSCT will still need to be monitored and treated for their symptoms.

Conclusion

HSCT is a revolutionary therapy that is changing the game for multiple sclerosis patients. While the therapy is not a cure for the disease, it offers hope to those suffering with aggressive, relapsing forms of MS.

If you are considering HSCT as a treatment option for MS, it is important to speak with your doctor and a specialist in HSCT to determine if you are a candidate for the therapy.