Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be both overwhelming and challenging for patients. From managing unpredictable symptoms to adapting to changing physical abilities – patients handle a lot. For the uninitiated, MS is an autoimmune disease wherein a person’s immune system begins attacking different parts of their body’s central nervous system, such as the brain, spinal cord, optic nerves, etc.

In simpler terms, MS is like a short circuit in your body’s communication system. In MS, your immune system mistakenly attacks myelin- the protective coating around nerve fibers in your brain and spinal cord. Think of myelin as the insulation around electric wires. When this insulation is damaged, signals between your brain and body become disrupted, leading to many symptoms, from numbness and fatigue to mobility issues and vision problems.

While there are several conventional treatments for MS, they only work on managing the symptoms. Stem cell therapy has quickly emerged as a promising therapy that focuses on improving the life of MS patients by fixing the root cause of the problem. If you’re new to this therapy and wondering whether it is safe to proceed with it, this article will answer all your questions. So, read till the end.

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy is a relatively new, innovative treatment that utilizes stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissues.

This therapy is relatively different than most traditional treatments because it aims to repair damaged tissues and reset the immune system, instead of simply managing the symptoms or suppressing the immune system. While there are various types of stem cell therapies, the following are the most common:

• Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (aHSCT)

  In this therapy, doctors wipe out the patient’s immune system and then regrow it using the patient’s own hematopoietic stem cells. These stem cells can develop into all blood cell types, including white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. This therapy is effective because it destroys the dysfunctional immune system causing MS symptoms and replaces it effectively with an immune system that works normally.

  Patients generally receive cytotoxic therapy to destroy their dysfunctional immune systems. The cytotoxic therapy is typically in the chemotherapy form with immunoablative therapeutic antibodies, which helps remove and destroy the dysfunctional cells in the patient’s immune system.

• Mesenchymal stem cell therapy

  This stem cell therapy is another potential treatment for MS patients. In this therapy, Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote myelin repair, positively impacting the patient’s immune system. During MSC, the healthcare professional removes the patient’s MSCs from their bone marrow, blood, or other tissues. They then use it to multiply these cells in a lab and later re-introduce the cells in greater numbers into the patient’s body.

  In some cases, these cells may be treated before completing the therapy. It is often done to enhance the cells’ ability to suppress nervous system-damaging immune responses. Such treatment also helps promote the cell’s ability to repair myelin. MSCs are considered effective because of their ability to modulate a patient’s immune system, regenerate cells, and differentiate into a variety of other cells.

Is Stem Cell Therapy Really Effective?

Various clinical trials, reviews, and research studies have been conducted over the years to determine the efficacy of stem cell therapy. Surprisingly, most studies show this therapy in a positive light. For instance, according to a 2019 PubMed Central review, there are numerous convincing evidences that show’s aHSCT’s effectiveness in stopping inflammatory MS activities and improving the patient’s neurological condition.

The recently released Phase II results of TISCH MS’s study on stem cell treatment also reported improvements induced by stem cell therapy in MS patients. The study results highlight how MS patients with significant disability reported drastic improvement in their walking abilities and a positive increase in their gray matter. The treatment resulted in notable biomarker changes and improved bladder function, improving the patient’s overall quality of life.

Another study reports positive results for adipose-derived autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy. According to the study’s top-line results of a phase 2 clinical trial, MS patients witnessed an improvement in their physical and mental health. With so many studies reporting positive results derived from stem cell therapy treatments, you can proceed with it without any fear or doubt. However, always consult a licensed, practicing doctor to determine your eligibility for this treatment.

Are there Risks and Side Effects for Stem Cell Therapy?

While stem cell therapy is considered safe in general, potential risks and side effects may arise in some cases. Some potential risks and side effects include:

• Anemia
• Mouth sores
• Low platelet count
• Myelosuppression with neutropenia
• Graft-versus-host disease

Patients are advised to instantly communicate any discomfort or visible side effects to doctors for prompt assistance.

Stem Cell Therapy Transforming the MS Treatment Landscape

As healthcare professionals and MS patients look for better treatment options, stem cell therapy is gaining remarkable popularity. It is one of the few solutions that aim to improve patient’s life by replacing their dysfunctional immune system with one that works normally, instead of only managing MS symptoms.

While this therapy is promising, and various clinical trials and studies back this treatment, you must remember that it isn’t a magical cure for MS and shouldn’t be treated like one. Also, stem cell therapy isn’t ideal for every MS patient, so it is best to consult an MS specialist to determine your eligibility. Personalized consultation with a practicing doctor will help you decide whether or not you should proceed with this therapy, so act accordingly.

At American Regenerative Clinic, our specialists are here to provide personalized guidance and answer your questions about stem cell therapy in Michigan. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take a step closer to exploring a treatment tailored to your needs.