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What is your opinion stem cell? Do you loose your hair?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Zanesville, OH
April 3
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MyMSTeam

What are your thoughts on stem cell treatment, and does it cause hair loss?

Stem cell transplantation, specifically hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), shows promising results for MS. Research indicates that after four years, 89 percent of people hadn't experienced relapses, and about 69 percent remained stable Show Full Answer

What are your thoughts on stem cell treatment, and does it cause hair loss?

Stem cell transplantation, specifically hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), shows promising results for MS. Research indicates that after four years, 89 percent of people hadn't experienced relapses, and about 69 percent remained stable without worsening disability.

However, HSCT is a serious procedure with significant risks. It involves using chemotherapy to destroy your immune system before introducing stem cells to reset it. This can lead to immune suppression and potentially serious infections. In one study, five out of 271 people died within 100 days of receiving the transplant.

Currently, HSCT isn't FDA-approved for MS and is only available through clinical trials. Neurologists recommend avoiding "stem cell tourism" at overseas clinics, as outcomes vary and some may not provide proper follow-up care.

Regarding hair loss: HSCT itself can cause temporary hair loss due to the chemotherapy used during the procedure. However, this is different from hair loss caused by disease-modifying therapies like Aubagio, which some people experience as a side effect of their regular MS treatment.

April 3
A MyMSTeam Member

Read what they wrote above and decide

April 3
A MyMSTeam Member

In Oct 2015, I had a stem cell procedure in the Bahamas. It was a phase 1 clinical trial. The clinic did not use chemo, just anesthesia and took stem cells from my hips and abdomen. After extraction, the cells were 'filtered and treated' then reintroduced to my body via IV. The first 12 to 16 weeks were awesome. I felt 1000x better. Unfortunately, after 3-4 months I gradually returned to baseline and progressed as expected.
I determined two things as a result (my unprofessional opinion):

1) stem cells have potential to make us better and maybe even cure us or retard progression

2) autologous stem cells are not the answer. I am seriously considering a second trip for another transplant, but in Panama where they use umbilical cord stem cells. These are donated from previously pregnant women - no one is harmed in this procedure.

FYI: I was diagnosed in 1991 and have lived with this for all my adult life. Been around the MS block more than once.

April 3
A MyMSTeam Member

I'd do it I have a lot of hair and the possible outcome might be me with no ms mya i'd be down😉

April 3
A MyMSTeam Member

I'd have to research it myself as I know nothing about it

April 3

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