Autoimmune Diseases

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system. It is a long-term autoimmune disease. It happens when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers, causing nerves to become inflamed and damaged.  This can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as tiredness, muscle weakness, trouble with coordination, balance and mobility, eye problems, problems with the bladder and bowel, memory loss, and changes in mood.  MS can manifest differently from person to person. Some people remain functional on a daily basis while others can be severely debilitated.  The symptoms of MS can potentially progress and worsen over time unless a patient is in remission.

Stem cell therapy has shown promise in treating MS. This treatment includes taking stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow or blood and then modulating the immune cells that are attacking the myelin sheath.  Clinical studies have shown that stem cells can help slow or even stop MS from getting worse (in remission). In one study, 78% of people who had stem cell therapy did not have any disease activity after five years, while only 2% of people who had traditional care did not.

This study found that stem cells worked better than standard treatment at reducing relapses and making people with aggressive MS less disabled:  ‘Stem Cell Transplant Stops Multiple Sclerosis in its Tracks.’ Dr. Michael Sy, MD.  This is the headline from WAFB  who spoke with neurologist, Dr. Michael Sy, MD at the University of California, Irvine.  Drugs to treat Multiple Sclerosis can cost up to $100,000 per year but Dr. Michael Sy continues: ‘Because the stem cell transplant therapy allows patients to get off all their medications, in the long run, researchers believe this will not only be lifesaving, but also cost effective.’

Dr. Sy explains, “Bone marrow transplant offers the opportunity to just completely reset the immune system.”