ECTRIMS 2022 | Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of MS

Riccardo Saccardi, MD, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy, discusses the rationale of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Transplantation is a standard procedure for patients affected by hematological diseases, but research has shown that it can also be used in autoimmune diseases, such as MS, by using the side effects of the transplantation, which causes suppression of the immune system. Following aHSCT, while the immune system is recovering, it was observed that the autoimmune disease would usually disappear. Furthermore, in most MS patients, the disease is silent for many years following aHSCT. Consequently, aHSCT has become a treatment option for patients who fail other treatment strategies. This interview took place at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress 2022 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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