by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 21, 2025 | Peripheral Neuropathy
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the peripheral nerves, the network that carries signals between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body, become damaged or dysfunctional.
These nerves control sensation, movement, and involuntary functions such as blood pressure, digestion, and heart rate.
When they’re injured, communication between the brain and the body becomes disrupted, leading to symptoms such as:
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Burning or stabbing pain
- Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
- Heightened sensitivity to touch
- Balance problems or difficulty walking
Common Causes
While diabetes is the most frequent cause, peripheral neuropathy can also result from:
- Physical injury or trauma
- Autoimmune disorders (like lupus or Guillain-Barré)
- Infections such as shingles or Lyme disease
- Vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins)
- Certain medications (including chemotherapy drugs)
- Exposure to toxins or heavy metals
Traditional Treatment Approaches
Conventional therapies primarily manage symptoms rather than repairing nerve damage.
While they can provide meaningful relief, many patients continue to experience chronic discomfort or numbness.
Common Treatment Options Include:
- Medications: Anti-seizure drugs or antidepressants used to reduce nerve pain
- Topical creams and patches: Such as capsaicin or lidocaine for localized pain
- Physical therapy: To improve strength, flexibility, and coordination
- Blood sugar management: Essential for diabetic patients
- Surgery: In select cases where nerve compression is the cause
These methods can ease discomfort but generally do not address the root cause, the loss or dysfunction of nerve cells.
Regenerative Medicine: A New Approach to Nerve Repair
Regenerative medicine represents a different strategy: it seeks to restore and protect nerve health by activating the body’s own healing potential.
Among the most studied options are umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs), young, dynamic cells capable of releasing natural growth factors that encourage nerve regeneration and reduce inflammation.
How UCT-MSC Therapy May Help
- Promote regeneration of damaged or degenerated nerve fibers
- Calm inflammation around affected nerves
- Enhance circulation and oxygen delivery to nerve tissue
- Reduce pain, tingling, and numbness over time
Unlike standard medications, these biologic therapies aim to support underlying repair processes, helping patients experience improved sensation, balance, and mobility as part of a long-term wellness strategy.
Recent Clinical Studies on Regenerative Medicine for Peripheral Neuropathy
2024 – Meta-Analysis of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetic Neuropathy
Title: Human Studies of the Efficacy and Safety of Stem Cells in the Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal: Frontiers in Endocrinology – Full Text
Summary:
This 2024 meta-analysis reviewed multiple human clinical trials using umbilical cord-derived and other MSC-based therapies for diabetic neuropathy.
Results showed that treated patients had significantly faster nerve conduction, better sensory scores, and lower neuropathy severity compared to controls.
Adverse events were minimal—mostly mild, short-term injection-site discomfort.
The analysis concluded that MSC therapy may effectively promote nerve repair and symptom improvement with a strong safety profile.
2024 – Combination Therapy Reduces Neuropathy Risk Long-Term
Title: Bone Marrow and Umbilical Cord MSC Combination Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes: 8-Year Follow-Up
Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
In this long-term randomized study, diabetic patients who received regenerative cell therapy—including UCT-MSCs—had a dramatically lower risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.
After 8 years, only 10% of treated patients developed neuropathy compared to 48% in the control group.
The authors concluded that stem cell therapy may offer protective effects for nerve health, helping prevent or delay neuropathy in diabetes.
2022 – Dual IV and Topical UCT-MSC Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Title: Topical and Intravenous Administration of UC-MSCs in Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Peripheral Arterial Disease: Phase I Pilot Study
Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
In this Phase I trial, 14 patients with diabetic foot ulcers and associated neuropathy received both intravenous and local UC-MSC therapy.
The treatment was safe and well tolerated, with only mild transient fever in two cases.
Within six weeks, over 95% wound closure was observed, along with improved circulation and reduced limb pain.
Researchers concluded that UCT-MSC therapy enhanced healing, blood flow, and nerve comfort in patients with severe neuropathic complications.
Is Regenerative Therapy Right for You?
You may want to explore regenerative care if you:
- Have diabetic or idiopathic neuropathy not improving with conventional treatments
- Want to reduce reliance on long-term pain medications
- Are looking for a minimally invasive option that targets nerve healing
- Seek to prevent further nerve deterioration and support better function
At Stemedix, we specialize in evidence-informed regenerative therapies designed to restore nerve health and improve quality of life. Each plan is personalized to your condition, goals, and medical background.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.
Stem cell and regenerative treatments for peripheral neuropathy are investigational and not FDA-approved for this indication.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine whether regenerative therapy is appropriate for you.
References
- Li J. et al. Efficacy and Safety of Stem Cell Therapy in Diabetic Neuropathy: Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol., 2024. Full Text
- Zhao L. et al. Combination Cell Therapy Reduces Neuropathy Risk in Type 2 Diabetes. Stem Cell Res Ther., 2024. Full Text
- Chen H. et al. Intravenous and Topical UC-MSCs for Diabetic Foot Ulcer & Neuropathy. Stem Cell Res Ther., 2022. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 21, 2025 | Parkinson’s Disease
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination.
It occurs when the brain’s dopamine-producing neurons, located in an area called the substantia nigra, break down over time.
Dopamine acts as a chemical messenger that allows smooth, controlled movement.
When dopamine levels decline, the communication between nerve cells is disrupted, leading to the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Common Symptoms
- Tremors or shaking (often in the hands)
- Muscle stiffness or rigidity
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
- Difficulty with balance, posture, or walking
- Changes in facial expression or speech
As Parkinson’s progresses, some individuals may also experience sleep difficulties, fatigue, memory or mood changes, and reduced fine motor control.
Conventional Care Approaches
Current Parkinson’s treatments primarily focus on symptom management rather than reversing the underlying neuronal loss.
Although these therapies can significantly improve quality of life, they do not halt disease progression.
Common Treatment Options
- Medication:
Drugs such as levodopa and carbidopa temporarily boost dopamine activity, improving mobility and tremor control.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS):
A surgical procedure that sends gentle electrical impulses to motor areas of the brain to help reduce movement symptoms.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy:
Structured exercise programs that support balance, strength, and coordination.
Over time, medications may lose effectiveness or cause side effects like involuntary movements (dyskinesias), prompting exploration of new therapeutic directions.
Regenerative Medicine: A New Direction for Parkinson’s Care
Regenerative medicine seeks to restore function by supporting the body’s natural repair and renewal processes, rather than masking symptoms.
Among the most promising biologic approaches are umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs) and other cell-based neuroregenerative therapies.
How Regenerative Therapies May Help
- Protect existing neurons from further degeneration
- Reduce inflammation in the central nervous system
- Release neurotrophic (healing) growth factors that support nerve cell health
- Promote repair of damaged tissue and cellular communication pathways
Researchers are also studying ways to replace lost dopamine-producing neurons using specialized stem cells, offering hope for future functional restoration.
Recent Clinical Studies in Regenerative Parkinson’s Research
2025 – Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Dopamine Neurons
Title: Phase I Trial of hES Cell-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons for Parkinson’s Disease
Journal: Nature – Full Text
Summary:
Twelve patients received bemdaneprocel, a therapy made from laboratory-grown dopamine neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells.
After 18 months, imaging confirmed that the transplanted cells survived and produced dopamine without causing immune reactions or dyskinesias.
Patients receiving higher doses improved their motor scores by an average of 23 points on the UPDRS scale, showing meaningful movement recovery.
This groundbreaking study demonstrated that cell replacement therapy can safely restore dopamine activity in the human brain.
2025 – iPSC-Derived Neuron Transplants
Title: Phase I/II Trial of iPSC-Derived Dopaminergic Cells for Parkinson’s Disease
Journal: Nature / PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
In Japan, seven patients received induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopamine neuron precursors transplanted into both sides of the brain.
Over two years, the grafts were well-tolerated with no serious complications.
Patients in the higher-dose group improved their motor scores by 30–50%, and PET scans confirmed increased dopamine activity where the cells were placed.
These findings support that stem-cell-based neuron therapies are safe and biologically active in human Parkinson’s patients.
What About Umbilical Cord-Derived Stem Cells (UCT-MSCs)?
While the above studies focus on neuron replacement, umbilical cord tissue-derived MSCs are being explored for their immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects, helping calm inflammation, protect remaining neurons, and improve cellular signaling.
Early research and case reports suggest UCT-MSCs may help reduce neuroinflammation, stabilize symptoms, and enhance overall brain function by supporting the neural environment, though more large-scale studies are needed.
Is Regenerative Therapy Right for You?
Stem cell and regenerative approaches for Parkinson’s are still considered investigational and are not FDA-approved.
However, some patients choose to explore these options under experienced medical supervision as part of a comprehensive care plan.
You may consider learning more if you:
- Wish to explore biologic or cell-based options to complement current therapy
- Want to support neuroprotection and reduce inflammation naturally
- Are seeking to participate in or learn from ongoing research efforts
At Stemedix, we help patients understand emerging regenerative options, review available clinical evidence, and connect with safe, evidence-informed pathways for neurological wellness.
Medical Disclaimer
This material is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Stem cell and regenerative treatments for Parkinson’s disease are not FDA-approved, and outcomes vary.
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before pursuing investigational therapies.
References
- Schweitzer J. et al. Phase I Trial of hES Cell-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons for Parkinson’s Disease. Nature., 2025. Full Text
- Takahashi J. et al. Phase I/II iPSC-Derived Dopaminergic Cell Transplants for Parkinson’s. Nature / PubMed., 2025. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 21, 2025 | Osteoarthritis
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis.
It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually breaks down. As this smooth surface wears away, bones begin to rub together, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced flexibility.
OA can affect almost any joint, but it’s most frequent in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Common Risk Factors
- Aging: natural wear and tear over time
- Previous joint injuries or repetitive stress
- Excess body weight placing strain on weight-bearing joints
- Genetics or family history of arthritis
Cartilage damage tends to worsen slowly, which is why many people notice early stiffness or soreness that gradually becomes more limiting over the years.
Current Treatment Options
Traditional osteoarthritis care focuses on managing pain and improving mobility, but these methods do not repair cartilage or stop disease progression.
Common Approaches Include:
- Medications such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen for pain relief
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and support joints
- Lifestyle changes like weight reduction and low-impact exercise
- Joint injections (corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid) for temporary relief
- Surgery, including joint replacement, in advanced cases
While these treatments can provide comfort, they address symptoms rather than the underlying joint damage.
How Regenerative Medicine May Help
Regenerative medicine offers a restorative, biologically active approach.
Instead of masking symptoms, these therapies aim to reduce inflammation, support cartilage repair, and improve joint health at the cellular level.
Common Regenerative Options
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):
Concentrates your own platelets and growth factors to stimulate healing, improve joint lubrication, and reduce inflammation.
- Umbilical Cord Tissue–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UCT-MSCs):
Young, vibrant cells that may encourage new cartilage formation, calm inflammation, and enhance mobility.
Potential Benefits
- Less joint pain and swelling
- Improved cushioning and flexibility
- Better function and range of motion
- Possible slowing of disease progression
Important Note:
PRP and UCT-MSC therapies are investigational in the U.S. and not FDA-approved for osteoarthritis treatment. However, growing clinical research suggests these biologic therapies may help patients seeking to avoid or delay surgery and restore joint comfort naturally.
Recent Clinical Studies on Regenerative Medicine for Osteoarthritis
2025 – UC-MSC Exosomes for Knee OA
Title: Injection of Human Umbilical Cord MSC Exosomes for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: From Preclinical to Clinical Research
Journal: Journal of Translational Medicine – Full Text
Summary:
A 2025 study delivered purified exosomes (healing vesicles secreted by MSCs) to patients with knee OA.
Results showed significant improvement in pain, stiffness, and function, alongside MRI evidence of reduced joint inflammation.
No adverse reactions occurred. Researchers concluded that cell-free exosome therapy safely promotes cartilage protection and may become a next-generation regenerative option for OA.
2025 – Single-Dose UC-MSC Injection vs. Steroid
Title: Efficacy of Cryopreserved UC-MSCs for Knee Osteoarthritis: Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
In 30 patients with knee OA, a one-time UC-MSC injection significantly outperformed a corticosteroid shot in reducing pain and stiffness for up to 12 months.
No serious side effects occurred.
The authors concluded that stem cell therapy offered longer-lasting relief and improved function compared to standard steroid treatment.
2024 – Combined Regenerative Treatments
Title: Synergistic Effects of Hyaluronic Acid, UC-MSCs, and Growth Hormone in Knee Osteoarthritis
Journal: Frontiers in Medicine – Full Text
Summary:
Fifty-one knees were treated with combinations of HA, UC-MSCs, and growth hormone.
All groups improved, but the regenerative combinations produced greater pain and function gains at 12 months.
MRI scans didn’t show clear cartilage regrowth yet, but safety and symptom relief were excellent, suggesting multi-modality biologic therapy may optimize OA outcomes.
2023 – Repeat UC-MSC Injections
Title: Repeated Intra-Articular UC-MSC Injections for Knee OA: Phase I Study
Journal: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders – Full Text
Summary:
Four weekly UC-MSC injections were safe and well tolerated in all 14 patients.
Pain and function scores improved dramatically within 3 months (average WOMAC score improved from 26 to 8.5).
The results confirmed short-term safety and consistent symptom improvement, supporting further study of repeat-dose protocols.
2022 – PRP vs. HA for Hip OA
Title: Comparison of PRP, Hyaluronic Acid, and Combination Therapy in Hip Osteoarthritis
Journal: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders – Full Text
Summary:
In 105 patients, PRP-based treatments significantly outperformed HA alone at 6 months for pain reduction and functional improvement.
Adding HA to PRP did not enhance results, suggesting PRP alone provides more durable relief for hip OA.
All treatments were safe, reinforcing PRP as a low-risk, longer-lasting option for joint symptom management.
Is Regenerative Therapy Right for You?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have mild to moderate osteoarthritis and wish to avoid or delay surgery
- Have not found lasting relief from standard therapies
- Seek a minimally invasive treatment with short recovery time
- Want to target the cause of joint degeneration rather than just manage pain
At Stemedix, we evaluate your health history, imaging, and goals to determine the most appropriate regenerative plan for joint restoration and mobility improvement.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.
Stem cell, exosome, and PRP therapies for osteoarthritis are investigational and not FDA-approved.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine whether regenerative options are suitable for your condition.
References
- Zhang W. et al. Injection of Human UC-MSC Exosomes for Knee Osteoarthritis. J Transl Med., 2025. Full Text
- López J. et al. Cryopreserved UC-MSCs vs. Steroid for Knee OA. PubMed., 2025. Full Text
- Rahayu S. et al. HA + UC-MSCs + GH Combination Therapy for OA. PMC, 2024. Full Text
- Kim D. et al. Repeated UC-MSC Injections for Knee OA. BMC Musculoskelet Disord., 2023. Full Text
- Gholami N. et al. PRP vs. HA in Hip OA: Randomized Trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord., 2022. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 21, 2025 | Musculoskeletal Injury
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Do We Mean by “Musculoskeletal Injury”?
Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries affect the body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
They may happen suddenly, like twisting an ankle, or develop gradually from repetitive strain or overuse.
Common Examples Include:
- Sprains and strains: ankle, knee, or back injuries
- Tendinopathies: tennis or golfer’s elbow, Achilles, or patellar tendon pain
- Rotator cuff irritation or partial tears
- Plantar fasciitis or iliotibial (IT) band syndrome
- Mild to moderate meniscus or labrum injuries
Because these tissues have limited blood flow, healing can be slow, and some injuries may recur after returning to activity.
How These Injuries Are Usually Treated
Traditional care focuses on pain control and gradual healing through rest and rehabilitation.
While many patients recover, symptoms sometimes return when normal activity resumes or healing is incomplete.
Common Conventional Options
- RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression, and elevation
- Activity modification or temporary bracing
- Medications: short-term anti-inflammatories or pain relievers
- Physical therapy: mobility training, strengthening, and biomechanics correction
- Injections: local anesthetic or corticosteroid for temporary relief
- Surgery: generally reserved for full tears or severe structural damage
These methods can reduce pain but may not restore full tissue integrity or prevent future injury.
Regenerative Medicine Options for Musculoskeletal Injuries
Regenerative medicine aims to stimulate the body’s natural repair mechanisms, healing tissue instead of masking pain.
It’s increasingly used for chronic or hard-to-heal tendon, ligament, and joint injuries.
Common Regenerative Therapies
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):
Concentrated platelets from your own blood deliver growth factors that reduce inflammation and accelerate repair.
- Umbilical Cord Tissue–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UCT-MSCs):
Young, active stem cells from screened, donated cord tissue that may help regenerate damaged structures and modulate inflammation.
- Prolotherapy:
A mild irritant solution injected into injured tissue to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and strengthen weakened connective tissue.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced pain and swelling
- Faster recovery compared to rest alone
- Improved strength, flexibility, and joint stability
- Lower risk of re-injury once healing is complete
Important:
PRP, UCT-MSC, and prolotherapy are investigational for orthopedic use in the U.S. and are not FDA-approved for musculoskeletal conditions.
However, multiple clinical studies show promising safety and functional improvements in patients with chronic joint or tendon injuries.
Recent Clinical Studies on Regenerative Medicine for Musculoskeletal Injuries
2025 – UC-MSC Exosomes for Knee Osteoarthritis
Title: Injection of Human Umbilical Cord MSC Exosomes for Knee Osteoarthritis: From Preclinical to Clinical Research
Journal: Journal of Translational Medicine – Full Text
Summary:
Patients receiving exosomes (cell-secreted vesicles) from UC-MSCs reported reduced joint inflammation, less pain, and improved function without adverse effects.
MRI scans suggested cartilage regeneration, confirming the therapy’s potential as a safe, novel regenerative option for osteoarthritis.
2025 – PRP vs. Steroid for Tennis Elbow
Title: Platelet-Rich Plasma Provides Superior Clinical Outcomes Without Radiologic Differences in Lateral Epicondylitis: Randomized Controlled Trial
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
In this randomized study of 50 patients, PRP injections significantly outperformed steroids and placebo at 3 and 6 months for pain reduction and arm function.
PRP patients maintained improvement, while steroid effects faded by 6 months — confirming PRP’s longer-term benefit and safety for chronic tendon injury.
2025 – UC-MSC Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis
Title: Efficacy of a Single Dose of Cryopreserved UC-MSCs for Knee Osteoarthritis: Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Pilot Study
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
Thirty patients with knee arthritis received either UC-MSCs or corticosteroid injections.
After 12 months, MSC-treated patients had significantly better pain, stiffness, and function scores, with no adverse reactions.
Researchers concluded that a single UC-MSC injection provided durable relief and superior quality-of-life improvement versus steroids.
Could This Be a Good Fit for You?
You may want to explore regenerative care if you:
- Have a persistent tendon or ligament injury that hasn’t healed with standard care
- Want to avoid or delay surgery (when appropriate)
- Are an active adult or athlete aiming to return safely to sport or work
- Prefer minimally invasive options with tailored rehabilitation plans
What to Expect
- Comprehensive evaluation (exam, imaging, and functional review)
- Personalized treatment plan (injection strategy + rehab protocol)
- Defined goals for pain relief, mobility, and performance
At Stemedix, our regenerative protocols combine biologic therapies with structured recovery programs to support lasting joint and tendon health.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Regenerative therapies such as PRP, UCT-MSC, and prolotherapy are not FDA-approved for orthopedic indications. Always consult a qualified physician to determine whether regenerative treatment is appropriate for your condition.
References
- Zhang W. et al. Injection of Human UC-MSC Exosomes for Knee Osteoarthritis. J Transl Med., 2025. Full Text
- Li C. et al. PRP Provides Superior Outcomes in Lateral Epicondylitis. PubMed., 2025. Full Text
- Martín-García M. et al. Cryopreserved UC-MSCs for Knee Osteoarthritis. PubMed., 2025. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 21, 2025 | Multiple Sclerosis
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
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