Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an acquired inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that causes degeneration of myelin sheaths. Patients typically present with relapsing and remitting symptoms such as fatigue, lack of coordination, visual problems, partial or complete paralysis, and bladder/bowel incontinence. This condition has a significant impact on quality of life and current treatment options are limited.
A recent study conducted in 2016 showed promising results for the effectiveness of stem cells as an early treatment option for patients suffering from MS. In a clinical trial by Dr. Harold Atkins and Dr. Mark S. Freedman of The Ottawa Hospital, immunoablation and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (IAHSCT) were used on 24 patients with aggressive, relapsing MS. They were able to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from the patient’s bone marrow by using cyclophosphamide (immunosuppressant drug) and filgrastim (HSC-proliferating drug). HSCs were collected by peripheral vein leucopheresis, purified, and frozen. Chemotherapy drugs were then used to eliminate the patient’s immune cells and previously harvested HSCs were transplanted back into patients via autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant for transformation into new immune cells.
None of the patients enrolled in the study experienced clinical relapses and 70% experienced no further disease progression. Furthermore, no subjects developed new inflammatory lesions within the brain or required medical therapy. This study shows that MS patients treated with IAHSCT have the potential to regain mobility and live a better quality of life. It should be emphasized that this treatment is only used in severe cases, as there is a high risk for contraction of infection due to the elimination of the patient’s original immune cells.
As with most research developments in the field of regenerative medicine, IAHSCT for the treatment of MS still requires further investigation. Nonetheless, this study is a sign of progress and yet another example of stem cells making an appearance in the clinical world. Neurological disorders such as MS can be debilitating and cause physical, emotional and financial burden for patients. Advancements in stem cell-based therapies can potentially help clinicians expand their treatment options and slow progression of these harmful diseases.
For the full-length article on The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute website, please visit: http://www.ohri.ca/newsroom/newsstory.asp?ID=786
Post authored by the CARRM@Guelph chapter.
REFERENCE:
Atkins H, Bowman M, Allan D, Anstee G, Arnold D, Bar-Or A et al. Immunoablation and autologous haemopoietic stem-cell transplantation for aggressive multiple sclerosis: a multicentre single-group phase 2 trial. The Lancet. 2016;388(10044):576- 585.