Stem Cell Transplant Shows Promise for Relapsing-Remitting MS
An investigative treatment has shown promise among individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) whose condition is unresponsive to alternate approved therapies.1
In an ongoing international trial comparing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) vs standard of care, participants with relapsing-remitting MS who received the transplant have experienced greatly improved symptoms.
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The procedure is intended to “reboot” the immune system in order to prevent it from further attacking the brain and spinal cord.
“These preliminary results from one of the first well-controlled clinical trials of HSCT for MS are exciting,” said Bruce Bebo, PhD, executive vice president of research at the National MS Society, in a press release. “This trial adds to a growing body of knowledge that is helping to define the precise risks and benefits of HSCT and who is more likely to benefit.”2
The trial, which began in January 2006 and will conclude in December 2018, includes 110 participants. All patients in the study are aged 18 to 55 years and have a confirmed diagnosis of MS, an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 2.0 to 6.0, and active disease despite receipt of standard therapy.
Preliminary results, which were presented at the European Society for Bone and Marrow Transplantation in Lisbon, have indicated that treatment with peripheral blood stem cell transplant and rabbit antithymocyte globulin was significantly more successful compared with standard of care. Only 1 patient who received the transplant relapsed compared with 39 patients on drug therapy.
According to the National MS Society, these preliminary findings have shown that the treatment is most likely to benefit patients aged 50 years or younger who have had MS for 5 or fewer years, those who have active relapsing-remitting MS but are still walking, and those whose disease is not adequately treated by available disease-modifying therapies.
—Christina Vogt
Reference:
1. Burt R. Stem cell therapy for patients with multiple sclerosis failing alternate approved therapy- a randomized study. US National Library of Medicine. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00273364.
2. Interim results presented from HSCT bone marrow stem cell transplantation trial [press release]. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. March 19, 2018. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/About-the-Society/News/Interim-Results-Presented-from-HSCT-Bone-Marrow-St. Accessed on March 20, 2018.