title: T cell-depleted autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis: report on the first three patients.
abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system characterized by immune-mediated destruction of myelin. In patients with progressive deterioration, we have intensified immunosuppression to the point of myeloablation. Subsequently, a new hematopoietic and immune system is generated by infusion of CD34-positive hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Three patients with clinical MS and a decline of their Kurtzke extended disability status scale (EDSS) by 1.5 points over the 12 months preceding enrollment and a Kurtzke EDSS of 8.0 at the time of enrollment were treated with hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation using a myeloablative conditioning regimen of cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg), methylprednisolone (4 g) and total body irradiation (1200 cGy). Reconstitution of hematopoiesis was achieved with CD34-enriched stem cells. The average time of follow-up is 8 months (range 6-10 months). Despite withdrawal of all immunosuppressive medications, functional improvements have occurred in all three patients. We conclude that T cell-depleted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be performed safely in patients with severe and debilitating multiple sclerosis. Stem cell transplantation has resulted in modest neurologic improvements for the first time since onset of progressive disease although no significant changes in EDSS or NRS scales are evident at this time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Burt
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Traynor
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Karlin
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stefoski
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Terry
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lobeck
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Goolsby
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.forename: L I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Keever-Taylor
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brush
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fishman
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Burns
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018952:Antigens, CD34 / Q000032:analysis; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes; D019172:Transplantation Conditioning; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation
chemical_list: D018952:Antigens, CD34; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D008775:Methylprednisolone