Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for MS: A current perspective

[ActiveMSers]

This is a paid article. The abstract doesn't say much. -D

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis: A current perspective

Gauruv Bose, Simon Thebault, Carolina A Rush, et al

First Published May 4, 2020 Review Article
https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458520917936

Abstract

The most effective treatment at halting inflammation in patients with highly active multiple sclerosis (MS) is immune ablation followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). Better patient selection and supportive management, as well as advances in conditioning regimens have resulted in improved safety with AHSCT. However, which comorbidities or prior therapies increase the risks associated with AHSCT still need to be determined. In addition, there is still debate as to which AHSCT conditioning regimen offers the best balance of long-term efficacy and safety.

New studies comparing AHSCT with highly effective disease-modifying therapies will help to inform on the ideal placement of AHSCT in the treatment algorithm. Currently, many centers are experienced and use AHSCT to treat select patients with MS, contributing to ongoing registries and clinical trials which will help answer these questions.

[crigano@gmail.com]

Thanks for the review-- can you explain the difference between AHSCT and HSCT?

[ActiveMSers]

They are essentially the same thing. The "a" in this case refers to autologous.

There are two major types of HSCT: autologous and allogeneic. Autologous refers to the patient serving as his or her own donor. Allogeneic refers to someone else serving as the donor. The hematopoietic stem cells are collected from the autologous patient before the transplant procedure and cryopreserved.