The Most Comprehensive Guide for HSCT for MS

When it comes to reducing the risk of progression of MS through HSCT therapy, HSCT Hospital India offers the best and affordable Multiple Sclerosis treatment in India. Read on to know more about this MS cure.

There are different ways to manage Multiple Sclerosis, and you might find a specific cure for MS suits you better than the others. But, at times, it can get really frustrating if desired treatments don’t work the way you’d like.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) is an MS treatment that stops or arrests its progression. A mild to stronger HSCT Chemotherapy is used to remove harmful immune cells from the patient’s body and then ‘reboot’ the immune system by using a specific type of stem cells found in the bone marrow, called Haematopoietic Stem Cells.

Multiple Sclerosis, as defined by Mayo Clinic, is an autoimmune condition, where the body’s natural defences become confused and attack healthy tissues in the central nervous system. And, once diagnosed, MS stays for life. However, treatments, such as HSCT can certainly help you to manage the condition and its symptoms.

At HSCT Hospital India, we accept patients suffering from all forms of MS and from all across the globe.

HSCT Hospital India is among selected hospitals to be Quality Accredited by Joint Commission, USA.

We are pioneers at offering treatments such as HSCT for PPMS, HSCT for RRMS, HSCT for PRMS, etc. Our HSCT for MS cost is budget-friendly – $30,000 US for a hospital stay of up to 30 days.

The Prevalence of Multiple of Multiple Sclerosis

Recent findings from a study published at National MS Society, it is estimated that nearly 1 million people in the US are living with MS.

The society also estimates that roughly 2.3 million people live with MS globally, with the incidence of MS slightly higher in colder climates. Also, People of Northern European descent have the highest risk of developing MS, no matter where they live.

Meanwhile, the report highlights that the lowest risk appears to be among Native Americans, Africans, and Asians.

What is the Eligibility/Inclusion Criteria for HSCT Patients for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Patients with MS having a relapsing-remitting course (other forms could also be considered: Secondary progressive (SPMS), primary progressive (PPMS) or progressive relapsing (PRMS)).

We accept patients with High EDSS. However the go ahead for HSCT  treatment is given after detailed medical test and investigations are carried out and patient counselling is done by the medical experts.

The patient has to be able to travel to and remain in India during a 30 day period, accompanied by a caregiver/ attendant.

We recommend discontinuing Immune Modulation or suppression medications 3 months before the transplant.

Once patients show to comply with the inclusion criteria, they will be officially added to the waiting list.

Patients must bring one English Speaking Attendant to stay with them during the treatment.

Only one attendant is allowed to stay at the hospital with the patient at any given time.

Once you decide to come to HSCT Hospital India for HSCT treatment, please get a hospital admission appointment confirmed with our Case Manager and pay the booking deposit to get your booking confirmed.

HSCT for MS – Ideal Candidates

According to National MS Society , the cause of MS is still unknown, but it can be successfully treated by HSCT that stops the progression of the autoimmune disease.

Though the stem cells used in the HSCT treatment can produce different cells, including immune cells, yet they do not have an ability to regenerate damaged nerves or other parts of the brain and spinal cord.

Therefore, HSCT for MS has shown the best results for patients with pretty aggressive relapsing MS or progressive MS and individuals who fail to respond to any disease modifying therapies (DMTs).

Also, success rates of HSCT is generally higher in people with signs of active inflammation and without any significant disability (HSCT EDSS score of less than 6.5).

However, at HSCT Hospital India, we do accept and treat patients having high EDSS score.

Besides that, we also offer world-class treatments for HSCT for PPMS (Primary Progressive), HSCT for RRMS (Relapsing-remitting) and all forms of MS.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of Stem Cell Therapy for MS

Like any medical treatment, HSTC too carries certain short term side-effects, especially the ones associated with traditional chemotherapy including hair loss, nausea, etc.

But, having said that, HSCT has given a new lease of life to many patients who struggled to live with MS-related disabilities and the effects wear off with time.

So, if you know someone who is struggling with MS Treatment or is looking for a reliable HSCT Treatment Centre, find the answers right here with our FAQs.

Does HSCT work for MS?

HSCT is a promising and established treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. The treatment option is now scientifically proven and has shown positive results.

HSCT attempts  to “reset” or wipe out the faulty immune system, which is responsible for damaging the brain and spinal cord in MS.

Using stem cells derived from individual’s own bone marrow or blood, the MS cure aims to rebuild immune system so that it stops attacking the central nervous system thereby, offering the patient a high quality of life.

How long does it take to recover from HSCT therapy?

Typically, people need between 3 and 6 months to recover from HSCT. But for some people, it can even take more than 10-12 months to fully recover.

Do Stem Cells cure MS?

Recent studies have shown that stem cell therapy is an effective therapy in regeneration medicine and a new approach to overcome the limitations of currently available therapies.

It is considered to be a scientifically proven treatment that has shown positive results. The primary goal of HSCT is to reset the immune system.

And, because it has proven to be very effective for people with highly active MS, it is now available all over the world.

However, the HSCT price may vary in every country as per its own regulations and policies.

How much does Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant or HSCT cost?

As mentioned above, HSCT for MS price varies in every country as per its own regulations and policies. For instance, in the US the treatment may cost an individual between $150,000 to $200,00 for a stay up to 6-7 weeks.

Similarly, in Israel, the treatment costs around 1,20,000 for approx 5 weeks stay.

In countries like Russia, the treatment is priced around $45000 for 5-6 weeks, Germany $68000 for 6-7 weeks and Italy $60,000-$65,000 for 3 months.

To the contrary, HSCT package cost offered by HSCT Hospital India is affordable and budget-friendly — $30,000 for 30 days hospital stay of both patient and attendant and that too in a BMT unit room that’s equipped with Triple HEPA Air Filtration for high level of infection control.

The package also includes doctors’ fee, tests and consultations, medicines and consumables, neuro-physiotherapy and also food and laundry for both the patient and the attendant, airport pick up and drop back, etc.

There are no additional or hidden extra charges. This makes HSCT treatment package at JCI-USA Accredited HSCT Hospital India affordable and a true value for money.

How can I get Stem Cell Treatment for MS?

HSCT Hospital India caters patients in need of HSCT from abroad since it is much affordable here.

We also accept patients having high EDSS. However, before starting treatment, that lasts usually a month, detailed medical tests, counselling and investigations are carried out by our team of expert doctors.

If you are interested in world-class yet quality stem cell transplant treatment offered at  HSCT Hospital India Treatment Center, please fill an Application Form to allow us to know more about your health condition.

On receiving the information, our team member or HSCT Case Manager will get in touch with you on a priority basis.

They will also guide you through further process without any further delay. Additionally, you can also write to us at info@hsctindia.com in case of any assistance or clarification.

Or, you may call us at our 24×7 international helpline number : +44 800 060 8737 for further details or to connect with our experts.

How long do you live after Stem Cell Transplant?

Recent studies have proved that HSCT is an established and promising treatment option for MS, but it is also very aggressive.

Like any treatment, definitely, there are a few risks associated with it, especially the main risk that comes from the chemotherapy regimen.

Having said that, the benefits of HSCT therapy may far outweigh the risks.

Moreover, various studies, experiments and trials done on patients with MS have led to a conclusion that HSCT is a viable therapeutic option for MS.

In fact, its more favorable in patients with relapsing and/or remitting, primary or secondary progressive form of MS or those who showed an inflammatory pattern in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the pre-transfusion screening.

At HSCT Hospital India, HSCT procedure has been done in 100+ from around the world with almost negligible fatality rate. And, post HSCT treatment, they have shown no signs of relapse for their disease.

How does HSCT treat MS?

HSCT refers to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and it aims at ‘reseting’ the immune system to stop it from attacking the central nervous system.

Basically, HSCT chemo aids in removal of harmful immune cells which is then redeveloped using patient’s hematopoietic stem cells derived from their bone marrow or blood cells.

To do the procedure, the doctors first collect and store the stem cells which are then transplanted after the patient’s remaining immune cells are destroyed. The process is known as immuno-ablation.

Patient has to be hospitalized for a minimum of 30 days—sometimes a bit longer.

However, over the next three to six months, the immune system of the patient gradually rebuilds itself.

What are the best HSCT Treatment Centers in the World?

Owing to its success, HSCT is available around the world – all with different criteria and safety standards.

So, if you’re contemplating to get HSCT abroad, you should consider HSCT Hospital, as stem cell transplant is a rapidly increasing health facility in India.

Moreover, India caters patients in need of HSCT from abroad since it is much affordable here.

HSCT Hospital India is one of the finest private hospitals to offer HSCT treatment.

We are accredited by the Joint Commission International, USA, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), and National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL) for processes and high-quality patient care.

Our team of doctors are experienced to perform HSCT procedure and so far, they have treated hundreds of patients from around the world with negligible fatality rate.

Besides, clinics offering HSCT in Russia, Moscow and Mexico also have had some success.

What are the success rates for HSCT for MS?

At HSCT Hospital in India, we believe in results. We offer non- myeloablative regime that uses lower-dose chemo with reduced treatment-related mortality

About 87% of our MS patients who were followed for 4 years after undergoing HSCT have shown no signs of relapses and are still leading a healthy and normal life.

Is HSCT FDA Approved?

Yes, the medications and procedures used in HSCT are already approved by the FDA. In fact, owing to its success, the procedure is practised worldwide and there are multiple studies and trials that prove the effectiveness of HSCT for MS.

What are the risks of HSCT?

Because HSCT uses mild to stronger forms of chemotherapy, it is expected to cause certain side-effects such as hair loss, fever, nausea and infertility. But that’s a normal part of the treatment.

Is HSCT a permanent cure for MS?

HSCT is an established treatment option for MS that permanently changes patient’s damaged immune system.

It is designed to eliminate auto-reactive lymphocytes and restart a new immune system in a non-inflammatory environment.

Besides, various studies and clinical trials too have proved that HSCT provides greater protection than disease-modifying therapy (DMT) against the progression of relapsing-remitting MS.

Dr Richard Burt, MD, chief of immunotherapy and autoimmune diseases at Northwestern University Chicago has patients now who have gone nearly 15 years without relapse after this treatment. However, you need to check your eligibility for the treatment with your healthcare professional.

At HSCT Hospital India, we have a team of doctors who excel at performing HSCT for MS and have already performed hundreds of successful bone marrow transplants/ hematopoietic stem cell transplants with excellent outcomes.

In fact, our patients have had no relapses upon completion of the treatment and are leading a normal and quality life.

Is Chemotherapy used in HSCT?

At HSCT Hospital India, a mild to a stronger form of HSCT chemo is used to remove harmful immune cells from the patient’s body.

It is given for up to 11 days which is then followed by redevelopment of the immune system using patient’s hematopoietic stem cells, a type of stem cell found in the bone marrow or blood cells.

You will be taken proper care of 24/7 as you are in a high attention zone at a Super Specialty Hospital.

You will be given medication to manage pain and if you experience nausea you will be given anti-nausea, medication etc.

During the Chemotherapy you will also have Methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg body weight, and that will ease you as well.

You will be very well monitored and cared for by the HSCT Specialists, the hospital doctors and nursing staff, so you do not have to worry.