Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and puzzling disease that affects the central nervous system, causing progressive deterioration of movement, balance, and neurological functions. Although there are medications that can slow the progression of the disease, stem cell therapy has opened a new door of hope for MS patients. So, what’s new in this field? Has stem cell therapy become a viable option, or is it still experimental?

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

MS is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to damage to nerve signals and causes symptoms such as:

• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty walking and balancing
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs
• Vision and memory problems
• Chronic fatigue

The severity of the disease varies from patient to patient and may fluctuate between periods of relapse and remission.

What is the Role of Stem Cells in Treating MS?

The main idea behind stem cell therapy for MS is to use hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or neural stem cells to “reset” the immune system and stop its destructive self-attack.

How is the Treatment Done?

1. High-dose chemotherapy is administered to suppress or “wipe out” the faulty immune system.
2. The patient’s own stem cells (autologous) are then transplanted to regenerate a new immune system that does not attack the body.

This approach is known as Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) and is currently considered one of the most promising methods.

What’s New in Recent Years?

✅ 1. Encouraging Clinical Results

• Studies conducted in Sweden, the UK, and Canada have shown that stem cell therapy completely halted disease activity in some patients for years.
• Some patients experienced improvements in mobility, balance, and fatigue after treatment.
• The relapse rate was significantly lower compared to conventional treatments.

✅ 2. Improved Safety Protocols

• Advances in treatment protocols have reduced the serious complications associated with stem cell transplantation.
• It is now possible to identify which patients are most likely to benefit (typically those with relapsing-remitting MS).

✅ 3. Expansion of Approved Centers

• Countries like Germany, Sweden, Russia, and Canada now offer this type of treatment within approved clinical programs.
• Some Arab countries, such as Egypt, have begun exploring its application in collaboration with international research centers.

Who is This Treatment Suitable For?

Stem cell therapy is not offered to every MS patient but is recommended in specific cases:

• Patients with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) who do not respond to conventional treatments.
• Patients in the early or intermediate stages of the disease.
• Patients who do not have permanent disability or severe neural degeneration.

A thorough evaluation must be conducted by a specialized team in neurology and stem cell therapy.

Is the Treatment Effective?

✅ Effectiveness:

• The progression of the disease was halted in over 70–80% of patients in some studies.
• Many patients reported improved quality of life after the transplant.

Conclusion

Stem cell therapy for Multiple Sclerosis is no longer just a futuristic experiment; it has become a real option for some patients who do not respond to conventional treatments. While it is not a “permanent cure,” it remains one of the most advanced and effective options for slowing or stopping the disease in its active stages.