Mesenchymal stem cell therapy has seen new hopeful options for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), offering potential relief from symptoms that current treatments often can’t fully address.
Iranian researchers reviewed 34 clinical trials to assess MSCs’ real-world impact on MS patients. Doses and delivery varied: some got cells via IV infusion into the bloodstream, others through spinal injections, or both. No severe reactions occurred—common side effects like mild headaches, fatigue, or low fevers resolved quickly, signaling strong short-term safety.
Benefits appeared promising across relapsing and progressive MS forms. Patients reported less disability, better walking, sharper vision, improved hearing, and even cognitive gains. Some studies tracked improvements lasting years, with fewer brain lesions on MRI scans and better scores on disability scales like EDSS.
For the 2.8 million people worldwide living with MS, these findings mean MSCs could shift treatment from damage control to actual healing. Unlike harsh immunosuppressants, MSCs work gently by tweaking the immune system rather than shutting it down, potentially reducing relapse risks while supporting nerve repair.
Trials were mostly small and lacked placebo controls, so definitive proof of long-term success awaits bigger, standardized studies. Questions remain on optimal cell sources, doses, and timing. Researchers stress the need for rigorous follow-ups to confirm if MSCs truly modify disease course or just provide temporary boosts.
