HSCT: What and Why
HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant) is used to “reboot” the immune system. People suffering from MS have an immune system that reacts to myelin as a virus therefor attacking it as such. The purpose of the HSCT is to remove the immune system’s understanding that myelin is foreign to the body.
Stem cells of the patient are harvested through their blood and chemotherapy is used to kill most of the the immune system. The patients own stem cells are then transplanted back into their body using a blood transfusion to encourage the new, now healthy and cooperative immune system, to regenerate with no memory of MS.
The most current research shows that after 5 years, it is approximately 80% effective at preventing further disease activity. This is significantly higher than other disease modifying medications used to treat MS. A successful transplant prevents people from taking medications regularly, often including daily shots or regular trips for intravenous infusions. Many of these drugs come with significant immediate and long-term side effects.
Today, HSCT is not approved by the FDA. It is only available through clinical trials in the United States. These trials are limited, and often, depending on insurance, very costly.
HSCT is readily available outside the United States. It is the cost of HSCT that prevents people from participating in this treatment, if they wish. It is approximately $60,000 depending on the facility and travel expenses.
Keep Smyelin advocates for people choosing this life changing treatment. We are committed to raising money so HSCT is available to more people living with MS.
