Stem Cell Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is caused by an immune mediated attack targeting components of the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is known to act as an “insulator” for neurons so that they can communicate properly with each other.
Can stem cells help treat Multiple Sclerosis?
Journal of Translational Medicine
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
| Stem Cells for MS: Now I’m 100%…” David Oliver |
Community Outreach: San Diego, CA (Mar. 2011) Xenia C. |
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.
Which types of stem cells are used to treat MS and how are they obtained?
The adult stem cells used to treat multiple sclerosis at the Stem Cell Institute come from the patient’s own fat tissue (autologous mesenchymal stem cells) and from human umbilical cord (allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells).
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.
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.
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.
MS STEM CELL TREATMENT PROTOCOL OUTLINE
- • 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 cells (1 per day during the second week)
- • 2 intravenous injections of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells
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.
Are there any successfully treated patients with whom I can speak?
| Community Outreach: Dallas, TX (Feb. 2011) Judi Lecoq |
Stem Cells for MS: SWAT officer gets his badge back Jason Upshaw |
Of course there are. A number of our treated MS patients have volunteered to speak with prospective patients after treatment approval. Your patient coordinator will be happy to put you in touch with them at the appropriate time.
We’ve published a number of written testimonials, news articles and videos from treated MS patients on our multiple sclerosis patient experiences page. 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 or by web-based inquiry form.
To find out if you are eligible, Apply for Treatment Today:
To apply for stem cell treatment, please complete this Patient Application Form.
SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES:
Article Title: Non-Expanded Adipose Stromal Vasculas Fraction Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Riordan N, Ichim T, Min W, Wang H, Solano F, Lara F, Alfaro M, Paz Rodriguez J, Harman R, Patel A, Murphy M, Lee R, Minev B.
– Journal of Translational Medicine. 2009; 7:29
RELATED CONTENT:
Multiple Sclerosis Patient Videos, Stories, News
VIDEOS: Multiple Sclerosis Stem Cell Science
