Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Over the past decades, several effective disease-modifying therapies have been approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS); however, achieving long-term disease remission remains challenging, particularly for patients with aggressive forms of MS. Intense immunosuppression followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been increasingly explored as a treatment strategy for aggressive MS. To date, more than 1800 MS patients have undergone HSCT worldwide. In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of the HSCT procedure, with a special focus on the unique considerations for transplanting MS patients (such as fertility preservation, prior therapy washout, and posttransplant monitoring). We also discuss the main evidence of efficacy and safety of the procedure in this context, as well as present preliminary data on the impact of HSCT on cerebrospinal fluid findings, magnetic resonance imaging metrics, and novel serum biomarkers of neurodegeneration and demyelination. In addition, we provide recommendations for patient selection from international guidelines.

Keywords: Disability improvement; Disability progression; MRI activity; Multiple sclerosis; Relapse.