HSCT FAQ

1. What is HSCT for MS (Multiple Sclerosis)?

HSCT is a Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant; a procedure that can be used in some Multiple Sclerosis sufferers. 

2. How Does HSCT work?

HSCT involves aggressive chemotherapy and the use of a patient’s own stem cells to reset the immune system. The aim of the chemotherapy is to wipe out the harmful, faulty immune system cells that are attacking the brain and spinal cord. This is followed by re-infusion of the patient’s previously collected haematopoietic stem cells to help regrow a new immune system for the patient. The overall aim is to stop the immune system from ongoing attack of the spinal cord and brain, therefore preventing further neurological damage. 

3. Can HSCT cure MS? 

The purpose of HSCT for MS is not to cure all existing symptoms, but rather to stop the disease from progressing – studies so far show that it will do this for the overwhelming majority of patients. 

4. What are the benefits of HSCT?

In HSCT clinical trials so far, the results suggest that HSCT may reduce relapses. It is also shown to stabilise, or in some cases reduce, the disability level for some relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients. The biggest impact and the best response to the treatment was for patients with highly active relapsing-remitting MS. For the patients in this group that the clinical trials have followed for four years, 80% had no more relapses and the disability showed no sign of getting worse for 87%. In some cases the clinical trial results were more varied, for those with primary and secondary progressive MS the results are less effective. The results did not appear to be as effective for those with secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis and those who had had relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis for more than ten years.