Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
08:33
Surgical Transplantation of Mouse Neural Stem Cells into the Spinal Cords of Mice Infected with Neurotropic Mouse Hepatitis Virus
Published on: July 10, 2011
Stem cell transplantation in multiple sclerosis: safety and ethics
1Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan Medical School, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy. vincenzo@silani.com
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|July 10, 2007
Summary
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is an established therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. While safety is no longer a primary concern, ethical considerations and patient selection criteria require further clarification.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) involves autoimmune-driven myelin destruction in the central nervous system.
- Current treatments include immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapies.
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is emerging as a therapeutic option for severe, refractory MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of HSCT for multiple sclerosis.
- To discuss the ethical implications and patient selection criteria for HSCT in MS.
Main Methods:
- Review of accumulating follow-up data from global HSCT programs for MS patients.
- Analysis of consensus meeting guidelines (Milano, 1998) for patient selection, procedures, and outcomes.
- Evaluation of safety and ethical considerations based on current clinical practice.
Main Results:
- HSCT is considered an established therapeutic option for multiple sclerosis.
- Safety concerns have been significantly mitigated through procedural improvements.
- Ethical issues and precise patient selection criteria for HSCT in MS remain complex and require further definition.
Conclusions:
- HSCT offers a viable treatment strategy for certain multiple sclerosis patients.
- Ongoing evaluation of safety and ethical dimensions is crucial for responsible implementation.
- Refined criteria for informed consent and patient selection are necessary for this complex procedure.
Related Concept Videos
00:57Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem (ES) cells were first discovered in mice in 1981 by Martin Evans. In 1998, James Thomson identified a method to isolate embryonic stem cells from humans. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are obtained from 3-5 day old embryos that remain unused after an in vitro fertilization procedure.
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their access...
01:06Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic cells are...
Somatic cells are...
01:22Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for several diseases, including cancer and specific genetic disorders. Notably, this procedure is applicable for patients suffering from aplastic anemia, certain types of leukemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and certain cancers.
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
01:21Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
Stem cell therapy is a method used in regenerative medicine to repair and restore function to damaged tissues and organs. Stem cells have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into various tissue types, making them ideal candidates for tissue regeneration. For example, hematopoietic stem cell transplants are commonly used in blood cancer treatment to replenish damaged bone marrow and restore healthy blood cells.
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell types that...
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell types that...
01:17Stem Cell Culture
Stem cell research aims to find ways to use stem cells to regenerate and repair cellular damage. Over time, most adult cells undergo the wear and tear of aging and lose their ability to divide and repair themselves. Stem cells do not display a particular morphology or function. Adult stem cells, which exist as a small subset of cells in most tissues, keep dividing and can differentiate into a number of specialized cells generally formed by that tissue. These cells enable the body to renew and...