Stem Cell Therapies for Demyelinating Diseases: Systematic Review
A systematic review found that autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is the most supported therapy for highly active relapsing MS, primarily aiding through immune system reconstitution. In contrast, mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) methods remain investigational due to unresolved efficacy and safety issues, while avenues such as MSC-derived extracellular vesicles and iPSC-derived products are still in preclinical stages.
- Most relevant to
- Neurologist, Immunologist
Why it matters
This review helps clarify the current state of stem cell therapies for MS, highlighting AHSCT's potential benefits while identifying the limitations and uncertainties surrounding MSC approaches and other experimental therapies. Understanding these dynamics is essential for guiding future research and clinical applications.
What this does not prove
The review does not provide specific clinical trial results, and numerous factors, such as product heterogeneity and safety concerns, limit the translation of these therapies into clinical practice.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Systematic review
- Participants / samples
- Not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-25
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceStem Cell Therapies for MS: Current Insights ↗
Supporting passages (5)
study designThis article aims to critically review the clinical evidence, therapeutic niches, safety considerations, and translational boundaries of stem cell-based therapies for central nervous system demyelinating diseases, with particular emphasis on MS and NMOSD.
findingsAutologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) currently has the most mature clinical evidence, particularly for carefully selected patients with highly active relapsing MS despite high-efficacy therapy, but its benefit is mediated primarily through immune ablation and reconstitution rather than direct remyelination.
findingsMesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) approaches remain investigational because controlled trials have not established consistent efficacy and intrathecal delivery has raised route-specific safety concerns.
limitationsTranslation across these platforms is additionally constrained by product heterogeneity, potency assessment, manufacturing reproducibility, long-term safety, regulation, scalability, access, and the need for mechanism-matched clinical endpoints.
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-25
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