Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS), primarily the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers. This leads to inflammation, scar formation, and disrupted communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Over time, MS can cause varying degrees of disability, but each patient’s experience is unique.
Common Symptoms
- Muscle weakness or stiffness
- Balance or coordination problems
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Fatigue not improved by rest
- Vision changes (blurred or double vision)
- Cognitive difficulties (memory, focus)
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction
MS may appear in several forms, including Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) and Progressive MS, where symptoms worsen more steadily.
Current Medical Treatments
While there is no cure for MS, current therapies focus on slowing disease activity, reducing relapses, and improving quality of life.
Standard Treatment Categories
- Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs):
These drugs (such as interferons, glatiramer acetate, and newer monoclonal antibodies) can help decrease relapses and delay progression. - Corticosteroids:
Often prescribed to shorten MS flare-ups by reducing inflammation. - Symptom Management:
Targeted medications can address pain, spasticity, fatigue, or bladder dysfunction. - Physical & Occupational Therapy:
Helps maintain mobility and function. - Lifestyle & Supportive Care:
Balanced diet, exercise, and stress reduction play supportive roles.
These treatments primarily aim to manage the immune response and symptoms but do not reverse nerve or myelin damage.
Regenerative Medicine Research for MS
Regenerative medicine, including stem cell-based therapy, represents a growing area of research focused on repairing or restoring damaged neural tissue rather than only suppressing immune activity.
How Stem Cell Therapy Is Being Studied
Preclinical and clinical research suggests mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)—especially those derived from umbilical cord tissue (UCT)—may have several potential roles:
- Immune System Reset:
MSCs can modulate immune responses, potentially reducing the autoimmune attack on myelin. - Myelin Repair Support:
MSCs release growth factors and exosomes that may promote remyelination and nerve protection. - Neuroprotective Effects:
They may help protect nerve cells and reduce inflammation in the CNS microenvironment.
Important:
These treatments are still considered experimental and are not FDA-approved for Multiple Sclerosis. Ongoing research continues to evaluate safety, optimal dosing, and long-term effects.
Recent Human Studies
2024 – Phase I/II Clinical Study
Title: “Human Umbilical Cord-Derived MSCs in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis Patients”
Journal: PubMed ID: 38450623
Summary:
33 patients with MS received one or two intrathecal (spinal) doses of UCT-MSCs. Both groups tolerated the therapy well. By 6 months, disability scores improved significantly, particularly in the two-dose group, which also showed enhanced hand dexterity, faster cognitive processing, and fewer MRI lesions. No serious adverse events were reported. Researchers concluded the approach was safe and warranted larger trials.
2020 – 10-Year Long-Term Safety Study
Title: “IV/IT hUC-MSCs Infusion in RRMS and NMO: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study”
Journal: Frontiers in Neurology
Link: Full Text
Summary:
In this decade-long study involving 10 participants, repeated MSC infusions remained safe and well tolerated. Most patients maintained stable disease activity without new lesions or relapses during the early years post-therapy. Researchers emphasized strong safety and called for expanded randomized trials.
2018 – Early Feasibility Study
Title: “Clinical Feasibility of Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived MSCs in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis”
Journal: Journal of Translational Medicine
Link: Full Text
Summary:
20 MS patients received IV infusions of UCT-MSCs. Treatment caused only mild transient fatigue or headaches. Most participants showed symptom stabilization and improved mobility or bladder control at one year. MRI scans revealed no new brain lesions in 83% of patients. Authors concluded therapy was safe and merited larger controlled studies.
Is Regenerative Medicine Right for You?
If you have Multiple Sclerosis and are exploring new therapeutic options, stem cell-based regenerative medicine may offer an additional area to discuss with your care team.
Before considering such approaches, it’s suggested to:
- Consult a qualified regenerative medicine physician experienced in MS-related research.
- Review your medical history with your neurologist.
- Understand both potential benefits and limitations, as well as clinical trial opportunities.
At Stemedix, we follow evidence-informed, research-driven protocols and emphasize transparency, safety, and education. We provide consultations to help patients understand all available options, including ongoing clinical research.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Stem cell and regenerative therapies for Multiple Sclerosis are not FDA-approved, and outcomes may vary.
Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
References
- Petrou P. et al. Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Front. Immunol., 2024. PubMed
- Wang L. et al. IV/IT hUC-MSCs Infusion in RRMS and NMO: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study. Front. Neurol., 2020. Full Text
- Riordan N. et al. Clinical Feasibility of Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. J. Transl. Med., 2018. Full Text
St. Petersburg, Florida
