Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Neuroimmunology
• Cell Therapy

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Current MS treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow disease progression, but often have limitations.
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show immunomodulatory and neuroprotective potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and therapeutic benefit of intrathecal injection of ex-vivo expanded autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in patients with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS).

Main Methods:

• Ten patients with advanced MS received intrathecal injections of BM-MSCs.
• Patients were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.
• Assessments included Expanded Disability Scale Score (EDSS), MRI, and vision/low contrast sensitivity testing.

Main Results:

• At 3-6 months, 5/7 patients showed EDSS improvement, 1/7 stabilized, and 1/7 worsened.
• MRI revealed new or enlarging lesions in 5/7 patients and Gadolinium-enhancing lesions in 3/7 patients at 3 months.
• Vision and low contrast sensitivity improved in 5/6 patients at 3 months.

Conclusions:

• Intrathecal administration of BM-MSCs appears safe in advanced MS patients, with no serious adverse events observed.
• Early results indicate potential clinical efficacy, with improvements in disability scores and visual function.
• Radiological efficacy was not clearly demonstrated, suggesting further research is needed to confirm treatment benefits.