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HomeStem Cell Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and HSCT
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Stem Cell Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and HSCT

A patient-focused guide to Stem Cell Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and HSCT, with clinical context, evaluation considerations and supporting information.

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MS, also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata, is a disorder in which the myelin sheath around the axons of the brain and spinal cord is damaged, leading to demyelination and scarring. In addition, a comprehensive spectrum of indications and symptoms is commonly referred to as Multiple Sclerosis. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is an intensive treatment that has been studied mainly in people with highly active relapsing MS.

What Is MS?

Over time, MS alters the ability of nerve cells, immune cells, and the spinal cord to communicate with one another. Nerve cells generally communicate by sending electrical signals down long fibers known as axons. Axons are wrapped in an insulating bio-material called myelin. In MS, our body’s immune system attacks and damages the myelin sheath. When myelin is lost, axons can no longer efficiently conduct signals or communicate normally, a significant issue for people with progressive MS.[1]

Sclerosis refers to scars, plaques, or lesions in the white matter of our brain and spinal cord, primarily composed of myelin. When MRI reports describe vascular white-matter disease rather than demyelinating plaques, the differential diagnosis may include CSVD and white-matter MRI changes. Although we know much about the mechanisms and symptoms of this disease, the exact causes of autoimmune multiple sclerosis (MS) remain unknown. Several neurological and immune system symptoms can appear with MS disorder, and frequently, the symptoms progress to display severe physical and cognitive impairment. New symptoms for people with MS can occur rapidly or can occur slowly after related illnesses such as transverse myelitis. The slow onset of symptoms is characteristic of multiple sclerosis. The symptoms of MS can sometimes go away entirely on their own. Still, MS can also lead to lasting neurological disability, particularly in Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.[2] Some of its symptoms can resemble those of movement disorders, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease or Wernicke’s Aphasia, but MS is a separate disease. Neurological testing can help identify the feature shared by all forms of MS: areas of demyelination (lesions) in the brain and spinal cord, and lesions in the spinal cord can cause myelopathy. The demyelinating disease primarily affects the CNS or central nervous system. A well-known type of demyelinating disease is known as Multiple Sclerosis or MS.[3]

Categorization of MS & Balos Disease:

Anatomy guide

Motor nerve and muscle

The main parts of a motor neuron and its connections with muscle fibers.

1. Cell body
The part of the neuron containing its nucleus.
2. Myelin sheath
The insulating segments around the axon.
3. Axon terminals
The branching endings of the nerve cell.
4. Muscle fibers
The muscle tissue reached by the motor neuron.

  1. MS or Multiple Sclerosis
  2. Acute Multiple Sclerosis – Progressive MS
  3. Persistent cerebral cord sclerosis
  4. Balo concentric diffuse cerebral sclerosis
  5. Diffuse cerebral sclerosis – Schilder’s disease
  6. Neuromyelitis optica (Devic’s disease), a separate disorder affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord
  7. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
  8. Necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalitis – Sub-acute and Acute associated with forms of MS

4 Variations of Multiple Sclerosis

  1. RRMS or Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (relapsing-remitting MS):  The most common type of MS we treat. RRMS involves recurrent attacks (relapses or exacerbations) followed by periods of remission in which function recovers fully or partially, without steady worsening between attacks.
  2. SPMS or Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Stage: Secondary progressive MS or SPMS usually follows RRMS after continued attacks. This stage involves a gradual worsening of disability, driven largely by ongoing nerve fiber (axon) loss and demyelination that can affect motor nerve pathways, with or without occasional relapses.
  3. PPMS or Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis MS:  This stage represents a steady decline with no intermittent remissions, exacerbations, or Flare-Ups
  4. PRMS or Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Stage: PRMS is an older label; since the 2013 revision of MS classification, it has been grouped under primary progressive MS with disease activity (occasional relapses or new MRI lesions). Most patients will not qualify for stem cell transplants, and the patients who are usually recommended an aggressive cell protocol as part of a combination therapy that includes Immunosuppressive techniques to have a positive effect and slow down the rapidly progressing condition caused by MS.

MS is among the most severe and complex nervous system disorders to treat in regenerative medicine today. MS Disorder frequently invades specific regions of the human nervous system, causing intense exhaustion along with other relapsing MS symptoms and clear physical signs that can be readily identifiable using radiology scans such as MRI scans.

Clinical indications of MS include:

Evaluation for MS usually includes MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord, as recommended by the national MS society, and often analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid for markers such as oligoclonal bands. MRI looks for lesions in different areas of the brain and spinal cord that have appeared at different times. Genetic tests are not used to diagnose MS or to find lesions. Stem cell research shows that over 65% of the patients treated for MS using neural progenitor cells, undifferentiated cells, interferon Beta, and HSCT (Hematopoietic stem cells) show improvement shortly after treatment. In contrast, some patients show continued improvement over several years.

Watch video
Neural Stem Cells and How They Communicate

Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Multiple Sclerosis

Stem cells are (undifferentiated/undefined) cells with the ability of perpetual self-renewal and unique properties to produce specialized cells through cell division. Stem cells are typically classified as embryonic or adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cell lines (ESC) are pluripotent and can give rise to all cell types in the body and differentiate into different tissue types. Embryonic cells are acquired from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, and they carry risks such as tumor formation and immune rejection, which is one reason they are not used in routine treatment. Due to strict safety standards, The Regeneration Center does not offer human embryonic stem cells or iPSC cells.

What Are Stem Cells

Adult stem cells are multipotent, meaning they can form a limited range of cell types, and some are being studied in neurological conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and progressive MS. The primary purpose of adult stem cells & immune stem cells is to treat and repair the body by providing specialized cells that reduce inflammation. This need usually arises from wear and tear, acute injury, disease, and infection. Adult stem cells, including immune cells, are found in many organs and damaged tissues throughout the body and are further classified based on their location. Adult stem cells are either:

Mesenchymal stromal cells and growth factors required to support essential functions are available in several settings, including those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and mesenchymal stem cell therapy.

Mesenchymal stem cells have unique properties and can be cultured & differentiated (UC-MSC+) into many types of new cells, including:

  • Cartilage Cells
  • Fat cells
  • Skin cells
  • Bone Cells
  • Ligament
  • Tendon Cells
  • Muscles cells
  • Nerve cells

More recently, reprogrammed pluripotent stem cells, known as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), offer potential therapies for people with secondary progressive MS. Induced pluripotent stem cells share features with embryonic stem cells; however, they carry a risk of tumorigenesis. This cancer risk can be reduced via transdifferentiation; however, the results have not been consistent or safe. Progenitor stem cells such as induced oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (iOPC), induced neural stem cells (iNSC), and oligodendrocytes (iOL) can also be derived from somatic adult cells, which can be used in stem cell treatment, via the process of transdifferentiation utilized in stem cell treatment

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) for MS

Hematopoietic stem cells are multipotent and have self-renewal ability but are found in less than 0.01% of all nucleated cells in the Bone Marrow. Hematopoietic stem cells are capable of forming all hematopoietic cell lines, including:

  • Megakaryocytes
  • Platelets play a crucial role in recovery after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
  • Erythrocytes
  • Adaptive immune system cells
  • Innate immune system cells

Isolated hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can self-renew and rebuild the blood and immune system when transplanted into patients. HSC cell transplantation (HSCT) has been used for over 50 years as a therapeutic tool to fight cancer, high-dose immunosuppressive therapy to reduce the risk of MS relapses, and rebuild the immune system after chemotherapy using a type of stem cell treatment known as autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Disease-modifying therapies to treat multiple sclerosis

Clinical studies and peer-reviewed studies have shown that hematopoietic stem cells & autologous hematopoietic stem cells are also effective in repairing nerve-insulating myelin caused by various autoimmune conditions, including autoimmune encephalomyelitis (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis) have become a viable alternative therapy (with an alternative to immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory medications needed in autoimmune diseases such as MS. Results are achieved by several ways including rebooting the immune system and elimination of autoantigen-reactive T and B lymphocytes along with increasing the populations of t regulatory cells,

How is Effectiveness Measured?

The treatment effectiveness for MS therapies is measured in several ways, including:

  • Relapse-free survival rate
  • Progression-free survival rate
  • MRI event-free survival
  • Disease-free survival
  • Sustained reduction in disability EDSS score

New treatment for MS – Mechanisms of Action

Early clinical research is studying whether UC-MSC+ mesenchymal cells may help in inflammatory diseases, including active relapsing MS, which can be challenging to manage. Proposed mechanisms include:

  • Immunomodulation
  • Immunosuppression
  • Neurotrophic repair functions from neural cells for neurological disorders

Long-term benefits of UC-MSC+ stem cells for Neurological conditions, such as relapsing-remitting MS, can significantly impact daily life. This can include inhibited adaptive immune responses, stopping disease progression, creating new white blood cells, repairing nerve insulating myelin, inhibiting innate immune responses, and proliferation of regulatory T cells, white blood cells, B cells & stem cells found in various tissues. NK cells, a type of cell found in the immune system,

Is Multiple Sclerosis Genetic Testing Available?

MS is generally not considered a hereditary disease. Still, there are over 100 genetic markers that have been identified as increasing the risk of getting MS. Clinical trials, mRNA vaccines, which hold potential, are being reviewed by the MS Society., and gene therapies are being developed to target genetic defects using several gene-editing methods including zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 systems. Gene therapy for MS is still at an early research stage, and no gene-based treatment is approved for MS. The goal of these promising new treatments for MS is to combine stem cell therapy with genome editing or mRNA vaccines, which are currently in clinical trials.

Treatment for Progressive MS w/ Stem Cells in 2026

The Regeneration Center has developed a multi-stage program to treat MS. The program combines different cell types and cell-derived products, and whether they can help regenerate damaged myelin and axons in people is still being studied. Mesenchymal stem cells are being investigated for their effects on the immune system, and they have not been shown to reverse damage caused by autoimmune disease or stop the progression of MS. At the same time, enriched neural cells, glial cells, astrocytes, and neural progenitor cells are used to target existing brain lesions.

1 Year After Stem Cell Therapy for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Watch video
1 Year After Treatment with MSC+ Stem Cells

MS Stem Cell Therapy Overview

The total number and types of stem cells used in a cell therapy trial to treat MS show promise for MS treatment, which will depend on the patient’s medical needs.

Type of Injections: For patients with progressive or late-stage MS, treatment may require more aggressive combination therapy using different types of stem cells, including hematopoietic or umbilical cord stem cell transplantation (UC-MSC). Cell infusions are given over multiple sessions and do not require invasive surgery. Cells are commonly delivered intravenously, by inhalation via stem cell nebulizers, Intrathecally via Intrathecal Injections, or via fluoroscopy-guided delivery (in a hospital setting only) to bypass the blood-brain barrier.

Physical Rehabilitation Post-Therapy: Physical Rehabilitation therapy for people with relapsing MS is optional, depending on the patients’ travel/time constraints. Complete physical rehabilitation post-therapy can be provided upon request for 2-5 hours per day and up to 5 days per week. 
Medical visas and extended-stay accommodations for patients and their families can also be included upon request. Learn about a multiple sclerosis-friendly diet.

Clinical guide

Cell sources and terminology

A guide to the source labels used in the laboratory illustration.

  1. Adipose tissue

    ADSC

  2. Bone marrow

    BM-MSC

  3. Peripheral blood

    PB-MSC

  4. Placental tissue

    P-MSC

  5. Umbilical cord

    UC-MSC

  6. UC-MSC+

    The Regeneration Center’s terminology used in this article.

Cost of Treatment for MS with Stem Cells in 2026

Given the varying degrees of existing medical conditions (EDS scores) and the stage of degeneration, our medical team will need to review a potential candidate’s current medical information before establishing a treatment protocol that does not increase risk. Upon acceptance, we can provide a more accurate assessment of the patient’s condition and the expected outcomes post-therapy. The final plan will include a daily treatment outline, the total number of nights required, and the complete, fixed medical-related expenses (excluding accommodations and flights). Stem Cell Therapy for MS will require roughly 14 days in Bangkok. To begin evaluating our multi-stage MS Treatment protocol, please prepare your recent medical records, such as Brain MRIs, CT Scans, or PET Scans, and contact us today.

To learn more about treating MS with isolated UC-MSC+ stem cells, please get in touch with us today.

Published Clinical Citations

[1] ^ Pipatpajong, Hemmarin, and Kammant Phanthumchinda. 2011. Neurofibromatosis type I-associated multiple sclerosis. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, Chotmaihet thangphaet, no. 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21591539

[2] ^ Laosanguanek, Naressak, Thaddao Wiroteurairuang, Sasitorn Siritho, and Naraporn Prayoonwiwat. 2011. Reliability of the Thai version of SF-36 questionnaire for evaluating quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients in a multiple sclerosis clinic at Siriraj Hospital. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21721432

[3] ^ Hou, Zong-liu, Ying Liu, Xi-Hong Mao, Chuan-yu Wei, Ming-yao Meng, Yun-hong Liu, Zara Zhuyun Yang, et al. 2013. Transplantation of umbilical cord and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal stem cells in a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis ms, progressive ms with neural cells adhesion & migration, no. 5 (October 30). doi:10.4161/cam.26941. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24192520