What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis
Can stem cells help treat multiple sclerosis?
At present there are no treatments that specifically target the abnormal immune responses in MS. Current approaches, such as interferon, capaxone, or immune suppressants all act in a non‐specific manner blocking immune responses against the myelin sheath. While these approaches are useful for reducing the severity of disease, they do not repair the damage to nervous system tissue that has already occurred and therefore they cannot cure multiple sclerosis.
One type of stem cell, the mesenchymal stem cell, has immune regulatory properties. It is thought that through their regulatory effect on the immune system, they may help stop the immune attack on the myelin sheath.
Mesenchymal stem cells may also potentially help remyelination (re-generation of the myelin sheath) of the affected neurons. Currently the University of Cambridge is conducting formal clinical studies using mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of MS.
Non-expanded Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Riordan NH, Ichim TE, Min WP, Wang H, Solano F, Lara F, Alfaro M, Rodriguez JP, Harman RJ, Patel AN, Murphy MP, Lee RR, Minev B
Journal of Translational Medicine
Which types of stem cells are used to treat MS and how are they obtained?
The adult stem cells used to treat MS at the Stem Cell Institute come from two sources: the patient’s own fat (autologous mesenchymal) and human umbilical cord tissue (allogeneic mesenchymal) harvested from umbilical cords donated after normal, healthy births.
We obtain the fat tissue sample through a mini-liposuction, which is performed by a certified plastic surgeon under general anesthesia. Mesenchymal stem cells and T regulatory cells are embedded inside this tissue. Our laboratory then separates the cells from the fat. The entire process is subjected to stringent quality control. Before they are approve for treatment, the adipose-derived stem cells are tested for quality, bacterial contamination (aerobic and anaerobic) and endotoxin.
All donated umbilical cords are screened for viruses and bacteria to International Blood Bank Standards.
Why does adipose stem cell treatment take more than one week?
Intravenously administered adipose-derived stem cells will tend to migrate back to the fresh wound site if it is not given an adequate time to heal. Therefore, it is essential to allow about one week after the mini-liposuction before administering any stem cells intravenously. Otherwise, there is a high likelihood that the treatment will not be as effective.
Additionally, it takes 5 five days to thoroughly test the adipose cell samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In order to ensure that no patient receives an infected sample, at least 5 days must transpire before the cells can be confirmed safe and injected back into the patient.
Lastly, this 5-day waiting period enables our scientists to culture a small sample of each patient’s stem cells in the lab to observe how they are likely to proliferate once they are inside the body. If a patient’s cells show low viability, our doctors will supplement the treatment with additional cord-derived cells to compensate. The same can be done in cases of low cell yield.
The human umbilical cord stem cells are recovered from donated umbilical cords. Before they are approved for treatment all umbilical cord-derived stem cells are screened for viruses and bacteria to International Blood Bank Standards.
Umbilical cord-derived stem cells supplement our MS treatment protocol with additional uniform stem cell doses. They do not require another stem cell collection from the patient. Because they are collected right after (normal) birth, umbilical cord-derived cells are much more potent than their “older” counterparts like adipose stem cells for instance. These stem cells pose no rejection risk because the body does not recognize them as foreign.
Because HUCT stem cells are less mature than other cells, the body’s immune system is unable to recognize them as foreign and therefore they are not rejected. We’ve treated hundreds of patients with umbilical cord stem cells and there has never been a single instance rejection (graft vs. host disease). HUCT stem cells also proliferate/differentiate more efficiently than “older” cells, such as those found in the bone marrow and therefore, they are considered to be more “potent”.
How are the stem cells administered for MS treatment?
Both the adipose-derived and human umbilical cord-derived stem cells are administered intravenously by a licensed physician.
Stem Cell Therapy for MS: Treatment Protocol
- The standard MS treatment protocol typically takes 2 weeks
- The first two days: medical evaluation, blood testing, and mini-liposuction
- 3 intravenous injections of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal cells
- 2 intravenous injections of human umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells
- Stem Kine supplement for the first month – 2 jars
What about follow-up after I return home?
We want to help our patients and we care about how you are doing after you return home. Proper follow-up also helps us evaluate treatment efficacy and improve our multiple sclerosis treatment protocol based on observed outcomes.
Therefore, one of our staff physicians will be contacting you after 1 month, 3 months, 4 months, and 1 year after the treatment to follow up on your condition.
May I speak with successfully-treated patients?
Yes, you may. Once you been evaluated and approved for treatment by our medical team, your patient coordinator will be happy to put you in touch with a few.
We also welcome you to view multiple scerosis patient testimonials, news articles and videos. Please take a look!
How do I request more information?
You may contact us by telephone 1 (800) 980-STEM (toll-free in US) and 1 (954) 636-3390.
Apply for treatment today
To apply for stem cell treatment, please complete this Patient Application Form.
Scientific Articles
Non-expanded Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Riordan NH, Ichim TE, Min WP, Wang H, Solano F, Lara F, Alfaro M, Rodriguez JP, Harman RJ, Patel AN, Murphy MP, Lee RR, Minev B
Journal of Translational Medicine
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