A group of researchers based at the University of Genoa (Italy) has identified that hematopoietic stem cell transplants in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) can reduce the likelihood that their symptoms worsen in the long-term.

The authors of the study, published in Neurology, suggest that hematopoietic stem cell transplants should be considered as a routine treatment for individuals with MS who do not respond to existing therapies.

“So far, conventional treatments have prevented people with MS from experiencing more attacks and worsening symptoms, but not in the long term,” explained study author Matilde Inglese (University of Genoa). “Previous research shows more than half of the people with MS who take medication for their disease still get worse over a 10-year period.”

The study recruited 210 individuals with MS (average age 35) who had received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant between 1997 and 2019. Of these, 122 had relapsing–remitting MS, 86 had secondary progressive MS and two had primary progressive MS.

MS symptom severity was assessed in each individual at 6 months, 5 years and 10 years after their transplant.

After the first 5 years of the study, the research group determined that 80% of the individuals they had assessed had experienced no worsening in MS symptoms. After 10 years, 66% had still not experienced worsening in symptoms.

“Our results are exciting because they show hematopoietic stem cell transplants may prevent someone’s MS disabilities from getting worse over the longer term,” continued Inglese.

The effects of the transplants had varying results according to the different types of MS. For example, in individuals with relapsing–remitting MS, 86% and 71% did not experience worsening in symptoms after 5 years and 10 years, respectively.

The group also reported that some individuals showed improvement in their condition over 10 years after treatment.

“Our study demonstrates that intense immunosuppression followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplants should be considered as a treatment for people with MS, especially those who don’t respond to conventional therapy,” commented Inglese.

The next steps for the group are to conduct a study with a control group and to remove the potential for bias by ensuring clinicians assessing symptoms are not aware of past treatments.

Link:https://www.regmednet.com/can-hematopoietic-stem-cell-transplants-prevent-worsening-of-symptoms-in-multiple-sclerosis/