Is HSCT safe for multiple sclerosis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 41-year-old high school teacher diagnosed with MS two months ago after experiencing double vision and vertigo. The MRI showed lesions in both my brainstem and spinal cord. I am starting to notice cognitive issues during lectures-losing my train of thought mid-sentence and mixing up students' names. Sometimes my speech becomes slurred by the end of the day. Also experienced this weird tightness around my chest like a rubber band, making deep breathing difficult. My neurologist suggested HSCT treatment since my disease seems aggressive but mentioned it is not widely available in the US. Been reading about stem cell clinics in Mexico- are they safe? What is the success rate? Also concerned about the 'cog fog' affecting my career-are there specific exercises or medications that could help? My insurance only covers certain MS medications.How crucial is early aggressive treatment?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

HSCT (hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) is an intense chemotherapy for the treatment of MS (multiple sclerosis). It aims to reset the immune system by wiping it out and then regrowing it, using your own stem cells. It is not considered a definitive cure for MS.

The prognosis-free survival after HSCT ranges from 47 percent to 100 percent. That means while some patients may experience a long period without progression following HSCT, others may not see the same benefits. HSCT patients who have survived for at least five years post-transplantation are at a four-fold to nine-fold increased risk of late mortality for as long as 30 years from HSCT.

99 percent of people treated by HSCT do not relapse for one year and about four in five people with relapsing-remitting MS who receive stem cell transplantation remain free of relapses for at least six years.

The cheapest countries for Stem cell transplantation are Mexico, India, Panama, Thailand, and Poland.

The transplant-related mortality rate in Mexico is less than 0.26 percent. It is the safest treatment record in the world. In Clinica Ruiz, the positive outcome is over 80 percent.

Brain fog is managed by exercises, learning a new skill, setting reminders, focusing on completing one thing at a time, using a checklist to remember tasks, eliminate and remove yourself from distractions, eat healthy and nutritious meals, and get enough rest to reduce overworking of the brain. Brain stimulants such as Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine) can help.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.