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?
| 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 and CD34+)
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 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.
How are the stem cells administered for MS treatment?
The adipose-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)
- • 3 physical therapy sessions (during the second week)
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, 1 year and 2 years 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
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