Stem cell transplants significantly reduced relapses in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) for at least four years, according to a new study. The type of stem cell transplant used in the study, known as autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), uses a person’s own stem cells to reset their immune system.

The study followed 271 people with MS who were treated with AHSCT in the United Kingdom. Participants had various forms of MS, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and primary progressive MS (PPMS). All participants had aggressive MS that had not responded well to other treatments.

Years Without Relapses

Researchers found that AHSCT reduced relapses. Two years after they received a transplant, 94 percent of participants hadn’t had any relapses. After four years, 89 percent hadn’t had any relapses.

No Worsening in Disability

The transplant procedure helped many people avoid worsening disability over time. Researchers found that:

• Nearly 92 percent of people had no signs of disability getting worse after two years, and about 69 percent remained stable after four years.
• More than 99 percent of participants did not experience worsening symptoms due to relapses during the study.
• About 72 percent had no signs of disease activity at two years, with 55 percent still showing no signs at four years.

Potential Risks

It’s worth noting that AHSCT comes with risks and potentially serious side effects. In most studies, before someone can receive a stem cell transplant, they must first receive treatment that destroys the immune system. This makes way for the healthy stem cells to take over. For instance, high-dose chemotherapy may be used to destroy the immune system and put an end to the autoimmunity that causes MS.

In the study discussed above, five of the 271 people in the study died within 100 days of receiving the transplant. The treatment can cause immune system suppression, potentially leading to serious infection.

Research Is Promising, but AHSCT Isn’t Yet Approved

These results build on a growing body of research showing that stem cell transplants may be a promising treatment for MS. A large 2024 analysis of nine studies found that stem cell therapy improved disability scores after two months and reduced the number of brain lesions seen on MRI scans.

Researchers believe AHSCT may be especially helpful for people with relapsing MS who are younger and still able to walk. People with progressive MS showed fewer benefits in the U.K. study.

Currently, AHSCT isn’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating MS, though some doctors may recommend the procedure under the right circumstances.

If you’re considering new options for managing your MS, especially if standard therapies haven’t helped, talk with your neurologist about what options are available.

Learn more about stem cell therapies and other off-label and nonapproved treatments for MS.

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On MyMSTeam, the social network for people living with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with MS.

Have you heard of stem cell transplantation for MS? Would you consider this treatment? What other options have helped you manage MS relapses? Share your experiences in a comment below, start a conversation on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.