Systematic Review of Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapy in Humans with Multiple Sclerosis
This systematic review analyzed 16 distinct clinical trials on MSC therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). It found that MSC therapy is safe but showed mixed results in benefits, with some approaches indicating neuroprotection and no serious adverse events. However, a large trial did not show improvements in disability scales, and significant methodological differences and short follow-up periods across studies limit the conclusions.
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Why it matters
The findings suggest that while MSC therapy may be safe for MS patients, the variability in results highlights the need for more robust and standardized studies to determine its true efficacy and optimal application in treating MS.
What this does not prove
Definitive conclusions are constrained by significant methodological heterogeneity and short follow-up periods across trials. Findings on immunological markers were primarily from studies at high risk of bias.
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Study facts
- Study design
- Systematic review
- Participants / samples
- 16 · distinct clinical trials
- Randomised
- Yes
- Controlled
- Yes
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- All
- Publication date
- 2026-09-21
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Other
Original sources
- Primary evidenceTherapeutic Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells at the Level of Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. ↗DOI: 10.1007/s12035-026-06201-3
Supporting passages (13)
study designThis systematic review comprehensively evaluates the therapeutic efficacy and biomarker response to MSC therapy in MS.
subjectsSeventeen publications, corresponding to 16 distinct clinical trials (five unique randomized controlled trials [RCTs] reported in six publications, and 11 non-randomized studies), were included.
sample sizeSeventeen publications, corresponding to 16 distinct clinical trials (five unique randomized controlled trials [RCTs] reported in six publications, and 11 non-randomized studies), were included.
sample size basisSeventeen publications, corresponding to 16 distinct clinical trials (five unique randomized controlled trials [RCTs] reported in six publications, and 11 non-randomized studies), were included.
randomizedSeventeen publications, corresponding to 16 distinct clinical trials (five unique randomized controlled trials [RCTs] reported in six publications, and 11 non-randomized studies), were included.
controlledSeventeen publications, corresponding to 16 distinct clinical trials (five unique randomized controlled trials [RCTs] reported in six publications, and 11 non-randomized studies), were included.
peer reviewedJournal: Molecular neurobiology
research categoriesMSC therapy demonstrates an excellent safety profile in MS.
relevant ms typesCritically, MSC therapy demonstrated an excellent safety profile across all studies, with no serious treatment-related adverse events reported.
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-21
interventionMesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy offers promising immunomodulatory and neuroprotective potential.
findingsMSC therapy demonstrates an excellent safety profile in MS.
limitationsHowever, definitive conclusions are constrained by significant methodological heterogeneity and short follow-up periods across trials.
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