Research results recently published in Neurology suggest that autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) results in less disability and fewer relapses among secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients compared to other disease-modifying therapy (DMTs).

The retrospective propensity-matching investigation identified 1975 patients who received alternative therapy and 79 patients who received off-label AHSCT treatment using two Italian registries.

Other (DMTs) include Beta-interferons, azathioprine, glatirameracetate, mitoxantrone, fingolimod, natalizumab, methotrexate, teriflunomide, cyclophosphamide, dimethyl fumarate, or alemtuzumab which were analyzed in the control-group analysis.

The findings indicated that patients who had received transplants had significantly longer times before their first impairment progressed. 61.7% of the AHSCT group and 46.3% of the control group had no evidence of impairment progression after 5 years. 

It was further seen that the relapse rates and impairment ratings were lower among individuals who received AHSCT during 10 years compared to those who got other DMTs. Three years after therapy, the transplant group had a considerably higher likelihood of achieving persistent improvement in disability than the other-DMTs group. Additionally, these patients were more likely to improve and be stable for years following treatment.

Experts stated that patients’ selection was crucial to provide the optimal treatment response and reducing safety concerns. They concluded that the finding provides Class III evidence that the autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation lengthened the time to confirm disability progression compared to other (DMTs).

(Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986322?src=)