Best Stem cell treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) Clinics and Costs in 2024

What is stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy uses the body’s natural building blocks—stem cells—to repair and regenerate damaged tissue. Stem cells are unique because they are like blank slates. Unlike regular cells that only perform one specific job, they can develop into different types of cells depending on the body’s needs. 

Regenerative medicine uses stem cells to replace or repair damaged cells in organs, muscles, and nerve tissue. Stem cells act as the body’s internal repair system, tackling damage and degeneration at the source. That’s why stem cell therapy holds promise for treating injuries, chronic conditions, and age-related issues. 

How does stem cell therapy work for multiple sclerosis (MS)?

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective layer around nerves, called myelin, leading to nerve damage and disrupted signals. Stem cell therapy addresses this autoimmune disorder by reducing inflammation, regulating immune responses, and even helping regenerate myelin.

• Immune system regulation. Stem cells help reset and balance the immune system, reducing these harmful attacks on myelin.
• Myelin repair. Stem cells can transform into specialized cells, including those that can regenerate myelin, essential for healthy nerve function.
• Reduction of inflammation. Inflammation in MS leads to further nerve damage. Stem cells release anti-inflammatory factors that help protect nerves from additional harm.
• Supporting nerve health. Stem cells can release growth factors that encourage nerve repair, potentially slowing the progression of MS symptoms.

As we can see, stem cell therapy targets multiple aspects of MS, from immune regulation to myelin repair. Thus, it is a holistic method of managing and possibly reducing the impacts of the disease.

Who is a good candidate for stem cell MS treatment?

According to the National MS Society, an ideal candidate for stem cell multiple sclerosis treatment: 

• Has relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Stem cell therapy is most effective for active relapsing MS because it targets ongoing inflammation.
• Is younger than 50 years old. Younger MS patients have stronger immune systems and fewer age-related health conditions (such as heart disease). This reduces the risk of complications during stem cell procedures.
• Was diagnosed with MS less than 10 years ago. Candidates with shorter disease duration often have less disability, which makes stem cell therapy safer and more effective.
• Cannot take high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) or has not responded to them. Ideal candidates are those still experiencing new lesions or relapses despite using high-efficacy DMTs.
• Is in good overall health. Candidates should be able to safely undergo the procedure without an increased risk of complications from other health conditions.

What types of stem cells are used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), and how do they work?

Stem cell therapy for MS primarily uses two types of stem cells, each with a different approach to addressing the disease:

1️⃣ Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)

Hematopoietic stem cells are adult stem cells found in bone marrow and blood. They create all cells in the blood and immune system. Hematopoietic stem cells are used in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). 

Doctors collect HSCs, then use chemotherapy to clear out existing immune cells and reintroduce the HSCs to “reset” the immune system. This process helps reduce inflammation and slow MS progression, though it doesn’t repair nerve or myelin damage.

2️⃣ Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reside in bone marrow, skin, and adipose tissue (fat). They can produce various cell types and support other cells in the body. They also promote myelin repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance immune regulation. MSC therapy doesn’t require chemotherapy.

Aside from HSCs and MSCs, scientists are also exploring these options in early-stage trials:

• Neural stem cells (NSCs). These stem cells can form cell types in the nervous system. NSCs may help protect nerve cells and support myelin repair by supporting neural health.
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSCs are adult cells reprogrammed to act as more powerful embryonic stem cells. They have the potential to directly replace damaged myelin and nerve cells, though research is still in its early stages.

What does stem cell research show?

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Clinical trials show that aHSCT effectively stops MS inflammation and improves neurological disability:

• 📈 A review spanning 20 years of research reports that aHSCT can suppress MS disease activity for 4–5 years in 70–80% of cases. This success rate is unmatched by other MS therapies.
• ✅ Safety has also improved significantly; survival rates following aHSCT have risen from 96.4% to 99.7% since 2005.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy

• 📈 A systematic review and meta-analysis found that 40.4% of MS patients showed improvement after treatment, and 32.8% maintained stable symptoms.
• ✅ No severe adverse events were present at a 10-year follow-up.

Where can I get stem cell treatment for MS?

Mexico, Colombia, and Turkey are the top international destinations for MS stem cell therapies. Each country offers regulatory approval, specialized clinics, experienced professionals, and advanced treatment options. However, Mexico stands out as a particularly attractive choice due to its patient-focused innovations and competitive pricing.

Why Mexico?

✅ COFEPRIS-approved treatments. In Mexico, stem cell treatments are regulated by COFEPRIS, Mexico’s equivalent to the FDA. Clinics have to follow strict safety and quality standards. This level of oversight and control is not currently available in the U.S., where the FDA still hasn’t approved stem cell therapies for MS.

✅ Lower costs for high-quality care. Mexico offers stem cell treatments at a fraction of U.S. prices. For example, an aHSCT procedure costs around $52,000 in Mexico, compared to $150,000 in the U.S.

✅ Convenient for U.S. residents. With its close proximity, Mexico is an ideal option for U.S. residents seeking treatment abroad. Travel times are short, often just a few hours by flight. This simplifies the logistics for patients needing follow-up care or bringing family support.

✅ The "Mexican Method" for HSCT. Mexico has developed a unique approach to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), designed to reduce treatment strain on the human body:

• Chemotherapy is split into two rounds, spaced a week apart, allowing patients some recovery time between sessions.
• Stem cells are harvested just before the second chemo round, then chilled and reintroduced two days later. This approach minimizes the need to freeze cells and improves their effectiveness.

Top clinics for stem cell MS treatment

Based on our Ranking Policy, we analyzed over 150 stem cell therapy providers based on popularity, accreditations, patient reviews, and the availability of MS-focused treatment programs. Here are the top clinics, according to Bookimed’s research:

How much does stem cell therapy for MS cost?

The cost of stem cell therapy for MS varies depending on the treatment plan, location, and individual patient needs. Here are the average costs in major regions:

🗽 United States

• aHSCT: $150,000, including pre- and post-procedure care.
• MSC therapy: $20,000 to over $50,000.

🌍 Europe

• aHSCT: Approximately €66,500, covering the pre-treatment phase, procedure, and one-year follow-up.
• MSC therapy: Between €21,500 and €25,000.

For comparison, popular international destinations like Mexico offer more affordable options:

🏜️ Mexico

• aHSCT: Around $52,000.
• MSC therapy: Between $7,000 and $21,000.

Lower costs in countries like Mexico are due to reduced operational expenses, streamlined regulatory processes, and a competitive healthcare market. However, exact prices can vary widely based on treatment needs and should be confirmed with each clinic.

What should I pay attention to when choosing a stem cell clinic for multiple sclerosis treatment?

1️⃣ Accreditations and regulatory approvals. Look for clinics approved by recognized bodies, like COFEPRIS in Mexico or the Ministry of Health in Turkey.

2️⃣ Doctor and staff credentials. Verify the qualifications and experience of the medical team, especially in regenerative medicine and neurology. 

3️⃣ Treatment methodology. Understand the method — aHSCT or MSC therapy — and the protocol the clinic uses. Inquire about the types of stem cells and delivery methods the clinic uses.

4️⃣ Facilities and technology. Choose clinics with in-house laboratories for cell expansion and cryopreservation.

5️⃣ Patient outcomes and reviews. Research real patient testimonials and clinical outcomes, focusing on relapse rates, symptom improvement, and treatment durability.

6️⃣ Post-treatment support. Opt for clinics offering comprehensive follow-up care and support, as MS requires ongoing monitoring to manage results effectively.

What steps are involved in stem cell treatment for multiple sclerosis?

The process for stem cell treatment varies significantly between aHSCT and MSC therapy. Compared to aHSCT, which requires intensive chemotherapy and a multi-week hospital stay, MSC therapy is minimally invasive.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT)

1️⃣ Preparation (5–15 days)

• Patients receive injections to stimulate stem cell production and release them into the bloodstream.
• Blood stem cells are collected and then frozen for later use.
• Patients undergo chemotherapy to suppress the immune system, which helps reduce the risk of MS relapse.

2️⃣ Transplant (3-week hospital stay)

• The collected stem cells are infused back into the patient’s bloodstream through an IV.
• The reintroduced cells aid in rebuilding a person’s immune system without MS-related attacks.

3️⃣ Follow-ups (2 years)

• Regular follow-up appointments include medical, neurological, and cognitive assessments, MRIs, and blood tests.
• Multiple sclerosis patients undergo MRIs within 6 months after aHSCT and annually thereafter to monitor treatment effects.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy

1️⃣ Harvesting and processing

• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are often harvested from the patient’s own bone marrow or fat tissue. In some cases, MSCs are sourced tissue donated by screened donors, especially in cases of umbilical cord stem cells.
• After harvesting, the cells are initially processed to isolate and purify MSCs from other cell types or contaminants.
• The purified MSCs may be cultured and expanded in a lab to increase the cell count.

2️⃣ Administration

MSCs can be administered through:

• IV infusion. Delivers cells into the bloodstream for systemic effects.
• Intrathecal injection. Injects cells directly into the spinal fluid for targeted treatment of the central nervous system.

3️⃣ Follow-up care

• Follow-up involves periodic evaluations to monitor treatment effectiveness and symptom progression. This care is less intensive than for aHSCT.

How long will it take to see improvements?

👉 aHSCT: Patients may notice reduced relapses or symptom stabilization within a few months. However, it takes 6 to 12 months, or longer, for the full benefits to become apparent.

👉 MSC therapy: Patients may see gradual improvements in inflammation and symptom relief within 2 months. MSC therapy often focuses on reducing inflammation, so improvements can be subtle and may take multiple treatment cycles for noticeable effects.

What side effects can MS patients expect from stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy for MS is generally safe but does carry potential side effects, which vary by treatment type:

👉 aHSCT
Since aHSCT involves chemotherapy, it can lead to more intensive side effects, including:

• Myelosuppression with neutropenia. A significant reduction in immune cells that increases the risk of infections.
• Anemia and low platelet count. These can lead to fatigue, weakness, and increased bleeding risks.
• Mouth sores.
• Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This risk applies to donor cells, which may attack the body’s tissues.

👉 Mesenchymal stem cell therapy
MSC therapy typically has milder side effects, such as:

• Fever and headache. Temporary symptoms that generally resolve quickly.
• Infections. Occasional cases of urinary or respiratory tract infections have been documented.

Researchers continue improving safety and effectiveness strategies for MS stem cell therapy, so their future findings may help reduce these side effects. 

A trusted clinic with experienced specialists, proper accreditations, and quality facilities can significantly reduce potential risks. Bookimed can connect you with carefully vetted providers that meet high safety and quality standards.

What are conventional treatments for multiple sclerosis?

Conventional MS treatments primarily aim for symptom management:

• Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Medications like interferons, glatiramer acetate, and monoclonal antibodies help reduce relapse frequency and slow disease progression.
• Corticosteroids. Used for flare-ups, steroids quickly reduce inflammation but are not suitable for long-term control or repair.
• Physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Exercise, diet, and physical therapy help maintain mobility and quality of life, though they do not directly impact disease mechanisms.

Resources

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Stem Cells. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24892-stem-cells
2. Mayo Clinic. (2024). Multiple sclerosis. https://mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269
3. Nature Medicine. (2023). Neural stem cell transplantation in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis: an open-label, phase 1 study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36624312/
4. Nature Reviews Neurology. (2017). Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for treatment of multiple sclerosis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28621766/
5. Journal of Clinical Medicine. (2023). Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10573670/
6. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2024). Stem Cell Therapy for MS. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/managing-ms/treating-ms/treatments-and-medications/ahsct
7. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2022). aHSCT: A Promising Treatment. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/momentum-magazine/living-well/ahsct-a-promising-treatment