Stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) is an active area of study, with the goal of repairing or replacing disease-affected cells in the central nervous system. This is a summary of the stem cell research being done on multiple sclerosis.
MSC therapy: what is it?
Adult stem cells known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), sometimes called mesenchymal stromal cells or bone marrow stromal cells, are capable of producing a wide variety of cell types, including muscle, cartilage, and nerve cells. MSC treatment aims to “reformat” the patient’s immune system and reduce inflammation, both of which are factors in recurrent, active multiple sclerosis (MS). These stem cells are not meant to repair injured nerves or other brain and spinal cord tissue, though.
Making decisions regarding stem cell therapy.
Any process using stem cells or their derivatives is referred to as “stem cell therapy.” Both stem cells and stem cell therapies come in a wide variety of forms it cam help in multiple sclerosis (MS).
In clinical trials, the majority of these treatments are being investigated. Right now, autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is the only stem cell therapy that should be approved for use as a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) outside of clinical trials because there is sufficient data regarding the possible advantages, disadvantages, and side effects of this treatment.
Types of Stem Cells used in Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Haematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs): These can be obtained from umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, or bone marrow. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell
- transplantation (aHSCT), which involves harvesting the patient’s own stem cells and resetting the immune system following high-dose chemotherapy, is the most researched treatment modality.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): Bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord tissue can be used to produce these stem cells. Because MSCs have the ability to modulate the immune system, they may be able to prevent autoimmune diseases.
- Cells known as neural stem cells (NSCs) possess the ability to differentiate into several cell types present in the nervous system. The goal of continuing research is to replace or repair damaged myelin, which is the coating that protects nerve fibres and is destroyed in multiple sclerosis.
What is demonstrated by the evidence?
Mesenchymal stem cell treatment for multiple sclerosis is being studied in a limited number of trials conducted globally. Early data from trials on animals and very early stages of human trials indicates that mesenchymal stem cell may benefit the immune system. Serious adverse events or fatalities were not reported in early phase trials involving limited numbers of patients. Nevertheless, there is currently insufficient data to determine whether there is any benefit or improvement at all in multiple sclerosis, despite reports and case studies of patients who may have seen some early or transient advantages.