Yes, several people and research groups have looked into stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). Here are some key points from the knowledge base:
- Clinical Trials: A research group in Israel conducted a clinical trial with mesenchymal stem cells in participants with progressive MS. The results were positive Show Full Answer
Yes, several people and research groups have looked into stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). Here are some key points from the knowledge base:
- Clinical Trials: A research group in Israel conducted a clinical trial with mesenchymal stem cells in participants with progressive MS. The results were positive, showing fewer participants in the treatment group experienced worsening symptoms compared to the placebo group.
- Personal Experiences:
- One MyMSTeam member reported significant improvements in muscle building and balance after treatment with umbilical cord cells in the Cayman Islands.
- Another member shared that their fatigue lessened for about two months after a stem cell transplant using fat cells.
- A different member reported no new or enhancing lesions six years after a stem cell transplant and has not needed disease-modifying drugs since.
- Research Findings:
- A small study suggested that autologous hematopoietic stem cell therapy (AHSCT) might be effective for severe relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and some cases of secondary progressive MS (SPMS), with 42% of participants showing no signs of progression five years post-transplant.
- Challenges and Risks:
- Stem cell therapy is still in early experimental phases and not widely available.
- Treatments can be costly and may not be covered by insurance as they are often considered experimental.
- There are potential risks, including the need for immunosuppressive drugs to prevent transplant rejection, which can lead to other health issues.
- Regulatory Status:
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the medications and procedures used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) but not specifically for treating MS.
For more detailed personal experiences and research findings, you can refer to the MyMSTeam resources.
July 18, 2024
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