Stem cell treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The disease process results in inflammation and damage to myelin (the insulating tissue for nerve fibers) and other cells within the nervous system.
Because myelin aids the conduction of nerve signals, damage to myelin results in impaired nerve signaling and may impair normal sensation, movement, and thinking. This damage occurs in patches that appear as distinct lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patches cause different symptoms, depending on their location within the nervous system.
Currently there is no cure for MS. There are treatments available that may slow its progression and alleviate associated symptoms. Stem cell therapy is among these treatment options.
The XCell-Center Multiple Sclerosis treatment
The XCell-Center's MS treatment differs from standard methods because, in contrast to temporarily masking symptoms with drugs, it is a drug-free alternative focused on affecting physical changes that can improve a patient's quality of life.
MS patients are treated by lumbar puncture; injecting the stem cells into the cerebrospinal fluid which transports them up the spinal canal and into the brain. Lumbar puncture is an outpatient procedure that requires patients to stay in Germany 4 or 5 nights.
Bone Marrow Collection
On the
first day, bone marrow is collected from the patient's iliac crest
(hip bone) using thin-needle mini-puncture under local anesthesia.
Although some pain is felt when the needle is inserted, most
patients do not find the bone marrow collection procedure
particularly painful. The entire procedure normally takes about 30
minutes.
Once the bone marrow collection is complete, patients may return to their hotel and go about normal activities. Patients who receive general anesthesia must lie down for a short recovery period before returning to their hotel.
More detailed information on the bone marrow collection procedure is available in the Bone Marrow Informed Consent document (PDF file).
Laboratory Processing
The next
day, the stem cells are processed from the bone marrow in a
state-of-the-art, government approved (cGMP) laboratory. In the
lab, both the quantity and quality of the stem cells are measured.
These cells have the potential to transform into multiple types of
cells and are capable of regenerating or repairing damaged
tissue.
Stem Cell Implantation
On the third day, the stem cells are implanted back into the patient by lumbar puncture or surgical implantation.
A spinal needle is inserted between L4 and L5 vertebrae and a small amount of spinal fluid is removed. A portion of that spinal fluid is mixed with the stem cell solution which is then injected into back into the patient's spinal fluid, not the spinal cord.
After the stem cells have been implanted, the patient will lie down in the recovery room for a few hours before returning to his or her hotel room. The lumbar puncture procedure is performed under local anesthesia for adults. Under normal circumstances, procedures performed under local anesthesia are not painful.
Following Treatment
Patients who are treated by lumbar puncture are required to stay in town on the day after their procedure for general safety purposes. They may return home on the fifth day.
Treatment Results
A total number of 50 patients (14 men and 36
women) with MS were treated and returned the post treatment
questionnaires.
The mean age of patients at the time before treatment was almost 48 years. Mean time between treatment and follow up moment was around 5 months.
Improvements were reported in 25 patients, no change in 18 patients and natural progress of the disease in 7 patients.
Most patients reported improvements in muscle strength (68.8%), spasticity of the limbs (78.9%) and better coordination of the limbs (55.6%).
The ability to stand alone and walk better without help was reported in respectively 50% and 25% of the patients with improvements.
Improved vision acuity was reported in 57.1% of the patients with improvements. Enhanced bladder control and bowel control was reported in respectively 47.1% and 28.6%.
Click to view or print complete multiple sclerosis treatment results, including graphs (pdf)
Patient Stories
Read what our patients have to say about their treatment:
Kerry
O'Connor, 59 years old, Multiple Sclerosis
"...I can stand for a longer time on my legs, my balance has
improved, my walking has slightly improved and I can walk for
longer periods of time unaided."
Cost
The price for the intrathecal treatment is 7,995 Euros.
Treatment Evaluation Process
In order to be evaluated for treatment, patients must complete an online medical history form. Once you've completed the online medical history and submitted it, a patient relations consultant will contact you. He or she will assist you with the rest of the evaluation process. Upon treatment approval, your consultant will also assist you with treatment scheduling and trip preparation.
