Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.07.013
• Publication Date: 2010-08-22T04:28:53Z
• Authors: Bassem Yamout; Roula Hourani; Haytham Salti; Wissam Barada; Taghrid El-Hajj; Aghiad Al-Kutoubi; Aline Herlopian; Elizabeth Kfoury Baz; Rami Mahfouz; Rima Khalil-Hamdan; Nabeela M.A. Krei...; Marwan El-Sabban; Ali Bazarbachi
• Keywords: Adult; Male; 0301 basic medicine; Multiple Sclerosis; Pilot Projects; Middle Aged; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation, Autologous; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Treatment Outcome; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Female; Cells, Cultured; Injections, Spinal; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Follow-Up Studies

We explore the safety, and therapeutic benefit of intrathecal injection of ex-vivo expanded autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in 10 patients with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months. Assessment at 3-6 months revealed Expanded Disability Scale Score (EDSS) improvement in 5/7, stabilization in 1/7, and worsening in 1/7 patients. MRI at 3 months revealed new or enlarging lesions in 5/7 and Gadolinium (Gd+) enhancing lesions in 3/7 patients. Vision and low contrast sensitivity testing at 3 months showed improvement in 5/6 and worsening in 1/6 patients. Early results show hints of clinical but not radiological efficacy and evidence of safety with no serious adverse events.