Health / Health News

    Immune System Reset May Halt Multiple Sclerosis Progression

    NIH | MARCH 3, 2015

    Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. It results in damage to nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. The disease’s widely varying symptoms can include tingling or numbness in extremities, motor and speech difficulties, weakness, fatigue, chronic pain, vision loss, and depression.


    One promising treatment for MS is HDIT/HCT (high-dose immunosuppressive therapy with autologous hematopoietic cell transplant). The goal of this treatment is to “reset” the immune system so that it will cease attacking the central nervous system.

    Three years after HDIT/HCT treatment, nearly 80% of trial participants had survived without an increase in disability, relapse of MS symptoms, or new brain lesions. Patients didn’t receive any MS drugs during those 3 years.

    Few serious early complications or unexpected side effects occurred. Many participants experienced issues that typically accompany high-dose immunosuppressive therapy, such as infections and gastrointestinal problems.




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