autologous haematopoietic stem cells

Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is a cell-based biological therapy used to 'reset' the immune system in patients with highly active, treatment-resistant multiple sclerosis (MS). The procedure involves the mobilization and collection of the patient's own haematopoietic stem cells, followed by high-dose immunosuppressive conditioning (such as the BEAM regimen plus antithymocyte globulin) to deplete the existing autoreactive immune system. The harvested stem cells are then reinfused to facilitate the reconstitution of a new, self-tolerant immune system. This approach is primarily targeted at patients with aggressive relapsing-remitting MS who have failed standard disease-modifying therapies.

Other names

aHSCTautologous HSCTautologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantationautologous hematopoietic stem cells