Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for MS: Progression-Free Survival Seen in Nearly Half of Patients
By Amy Orciari Herman
Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD
Autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis might help slow neurologic progression in nearly half of treated patients, suggests a retrospective study in JAMA Neurology.
Researchers studied some 280 adults with MS who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between 1995 and 2006 in 13 countries; 78% of patients had progressive forms of MS, and 22% had relapsing forms.
Overall, progression-free survival at 5 years post-treatment was 46%. Factors associated with better outcomes included relapsing (vs. progressive) MS, younger age, and fewer treatments before transplantation. In particular, among patients with relapsing MS, progression-free survival was 73%.
Some 3% of patients died within 100 days of transplantation; these deaths were considered treatment-related. The authors note that transplant-related mortality has improved since the study period.
Commentators say stem cell transplantation "might be a reasonable choice for younger patients with relapsing MS who have failed 1 or 2 treatments." In addition, "the data would suggest some utility in treating patients with progressive disease."
JAMA Neurology article (Free)
JAMA Neurology comment (Subscription required)
Background: NEJM Journal Watch Neurology coverage of stem cell transplant for MS (Your NEJM Journal Watch registration required)
Written by
erash
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I have watched videos of younger women (under 30) that went to other countries for stem cell treatments. Not sure if it's the same as your article. They had stem cells removed and while their stem cells were being treated, the patient underwent something like 5 days of chemo to treat their body and make it ready to receive the treated stem cells. After they received the treated stem cells, they made a gradual but noticeable improvement until they felt disease free. Yes, just as if they were a cancer patient, there was hair loss, nausea and common reactions to the chemo. Most importantly, they felt completely WELL within a month or two. I'm ready, but at 68 yrs old, not eligible for drug trial or stem cell trials. This is a big frustration for me, because before I went numb last summer, I was very active, bicycling, swimming, and walking. Not a typical 68 year old. Sign me up for stem cell, I want my life back. Just had to have a little rant, not having a few good days is putting me in a frustrated mood.. I know, we all want our lives before MS back..
Isn't it interesting how the average age of most of our regulars here seems to be at least the fifth decade--esp. Given the ave. age of onset ms 20-30s and many of us were diagnosed relatively recently (or are still awaiting diagnosis).
Could be because those of us a little older have the extra time to participate in our group. I'm just so glad to have found this group. To Listen, Share and suggest.
I think I was 66 when that pic was taken. Can't tell the book by the cover. (That was a selfie just before I had all the hair cut off. It has since all grown back)
Weather is a little better. We didn't get the high winds, but did get lots of rain. There's some flooding in the outlying areas. Lots of snow in the Sierra's. We haven't had this much rainfall here and snow in the Sierra's since 2011. Your brother can tell you about the rain yesterday as that area gets hit before we get it as we're further inland. There was lots of closed roads because of landslides, water over the roads, etc.
RE: the hair, usually a long braid down the back. Sometimes 2 braids just or fun. My hair has thinned allot this last year, but is just as long now. I also wear bangs to hide a receding hairline. We saw on the news tonight some of the SJ flooding in the southern areas of SJ and toward Morgan Hill. Tell brother to stay safe and dry. So much weather and road problem, flooding. We sure needed the rain and it would be great if we had even more reservoirs for storage. After 5 yrs of drought, I think we're good now.
I had HSCT in Puebla Mexico 4 months ago. We fundraisers most of the $55,000. I was EDSS 6-6.5 before. Now about a 5. Most noticeable so far has been improvement in heat tolerance and fatigue. Bad days now are much better than my good days were 6 months ago.
Calfeechick gave a pretty good basic description. I had 2 days Chemo before my stem cells were collected, then 2 more days to almost completely break down my immune system, then my stem cells were reinfused to rebuild new immune cells with no memory of the MS.
Best decision of my life.....had it in Chicago June 2016. hsctforms.com if you want to see my journey. I'll be updating my blog soon to include my return to work (again) feeling much better
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
MS/ MS heart arteries...
MS Gym VS. MS Workouts 
The Coronavirus and MS
I am not MS but I have MS
