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ToggleFatigue, muscle weakness, and uncertainty — these are everyday hurdles for people with MS.
Instead of just treating symptoms, stem cells have the potential to repair nerve damage.
Here’s a closer look at how stem cells for MS treatment could be the breakthrough MS patients have been waiting for and pave the way for revolutionary care.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
MS is like a glitch in the body’s electrical system. The immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the insulating layer around nerve fibers, causing messages between your brain and body to get scrambled, leading to symptoms.
So, what causes MS? The truth is, no one knows for sure, but this autoimmune disease is thought to be linked to both genetics and environmental triggers, like infections. While we don’t have a cure yet, treatments can help keep the symptoms in check and slow things down.
Type of MS | Overview | Symptoms |
Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) | The most common form of MS, affecting about 85% of people, is marked by flare-ups (relapses) followed by recovery periods (remission) where symptoms improve. | Fluctuating symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, muscle weakness, vision problems, and difficulty with coordination. |
Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) | Often develops in individuals who initially had RRMS. Over time, the disease transitions to a progressive form, where the relapses decrease, but a steady decline in function begins. About 50% of RRMS patients will develop SPMS within 10 years. | Symptoms become more constant, with less noticeable remissions. Progressive muscle weakness, balance problems, and cognitive decline become more prominent. |
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) | Affects about 10-15% of MS patients. There is no clear relapsing phase; symptoms worsen continuously from the onset. | A gradual buildup of symptoms, including muscle stiffness (spasticity), difficulty walking, vision problems, and cognitive issues. |
The Role of Nerve Damage in MS
The challenge with MS isn’t just losing myelin; it’s that the body struggles to repair it. When myelin breaks down, nerves are exposed, leading to muscle weakness and memory issues that eventually become permanent.
How Stem Cells Work in Repairing Nerve Damage
Stem cell therapy for MS can repair nerve damage in multiple ways. They rebuild the myelin sheath, helping nerves communicate and restore function. They can also replace damaged nerve cells, improving motor skills, vision, and sensation. By calming inflammation, stem cells reduce further nerve damage while offering protection from degeneration. Over time, they can gradually slow or even halt disease progression, enhancing mobility and cognitive function.
Current Research and Clinical Trials
From the lab to the clinic, stem cell therapies for MS are moving forward, with key support from organizations like the National MS Society.
Institution | Study Focus | Key Objective |
Tisch MS Research Center | Autologous MSC for immune modulation and tissue repair | Test MSC-derived neural progenitor cells for myelin repair in progressive MS |
University of Connecticut Health | Stem cell therapy for secondary progressive MS | Track disease progression and repair with stem cells |
University of Utah | Stem cell-secreted molecules for myelin repair | Investigate molecules that promote myelin regeneration |
Types of Stem Cell Therapies for MS
Stem cells for MS therapies are still developing, with three main types being studied:
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): Soothe inflammation and balance the immune system to safeguard nerve cells.
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs): Reset the immune system to stop it from attacking myelin.
- Neural Stem Cells (NSCs): Promote myelin repair and generate new nerve cells to restore damaged tissue.
Patient Perspectives and Experiences
Living with progressive MS often means coping with a worsening disability and the constant fear of what might come next. Emerging research into stem cells is providing new insights into MS stem cell treatment.
Researchers from CU Anschutz, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Milano-Bicocca partnered to test neural stem cell injections in secondary progressive MS patients. The majority of participants were severely disabled and relied on wheelchairs when the trial began. However, after 12 months, no increase in disability or worsening of symptoms was observed. Importantly, no participants reported relapses and cognitive function remained stable.
After years of battling aggressive MS, Gabrielle Turner found hope in stem cell therapy. By 2007, her MS had left her using a cane, but in 2008, she joined the HALT-MS trial at MD Anderson. The stem cell transplant didn’t just slow her disease—it stopped it completely.
Conclusion
Stem cell research in MS is still evolving, but the potential is undeniable. These therapies could not only slow the disease but also repair the damage it has done. With continuous research and clinical trials, scientists are making significant strides toward making stem cell therapy a viable option for MS patients worldwide.
At Swiss Medica, we offer an ethical, science-backed solution using adult mesenchymal stem cells to enhance MS care.
What are your thoughts on MS stem cell treatment? Join the conversation in the comments below!