Inside the Study That Reveals Promise for Treating Multiple Sclerosis with Stem Cells - with Dr. Stefano Pluchino | EP 178

The Empowering Neurologist Podcast

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In a groundbreaking development, an international team of researchers has unveiled a remarkable advancement in the fight against progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Their study, led by scientists from the University of Cambridge, the University of Milan Bicocca, and Hospital Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza in Italy, demonstrates the safety, tolerance, and long-lasting effectiveness of injecting a specific type of stem cell directly into the brains of patients living with progressive MS. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of advanced cell therapy treatments for this debilitating disease that affects over 2 million people worldwide.

Multiple sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease that targets the central nervous system, leading to severe disruption in the transmission of nerve signals. While there are treatments available to alleviate some of the symptoms and reduce the frequency of relapses, many patients still progress into a secondary phase of the disease, which steadily worsens over time, causing severe disability. This secondary progressive phase has long been a significant challenge in the treatment of MS.

In progressive forms of MS, a type of immune cell known as macrophages, specifically microglial cells, plays a crucial role in attacking and damaging the central nervous system. This relentless assault leads to chronic inflammation and extensive nerve cell damage. Recent advances in stem cell therapies have raised hope that they could help mitigate this damage by replacing damaged cells with healthy ones.

Before the current study, the University of Cambridge team had already demonstrated in mouse models that reprogrammed skin cells into brain stem cells, transplanted into the central nervous system, could reduce inflammation and potentially aid in repairing MS-related damage.

This groundbreaking study marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of effective treatments for secondary progressive MS. Although the study is relatively small and may have confounding effects from immunosuppressant drugs, its safety and long-lasting effects over the 12-month trial period have paved the way for further clinical trials. The research team's cautious optimism fuels hope for the development of cell therapy as a potential solution for this debilitating condition. This exciting progress holds the promise of a brighter future for the millions of people living with progressive MS, offering renewed hope for a more effective treatment approach.

Our interview today is with the lead researcher involved in this study at the University of Cambridge, Stefano Pluchino, MD, PhD.

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0:00 Intro

2:46 Why Stem Cell Therapy Works

5:10 Studying Stem Cells on the Brain

9:15 MS Patients Studied in This Trial

13:43 What the Results Mean for the Public

17:40 The Specifics of the Study

26:18 Rigorous Testing that Sets this Trail Apart

28:25 Findings: Feasibility, Safety, and Biomarkers

34:32 Looking at the Results over 12 months

40:11 Correlation of Metabolic Health and MS

44:55 What Exosomes Reveal About Disease

49:01 Senolytic Therapy & Neurodegenerative Diseases

53:36 Conclusion

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Stefano Pluchino received his MD and PhD degrees at the University of Siena, Italy,

and additional training at Cambridge University, UK. He is currently Professor of

Regenerative Neuroimmunology (2021) and Honorary Consultant in Neurology, within

the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at Cambridge University.

Twitter: @Pluchinolab

Research: https://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/fulltext/S1934-5909(23)00393-4

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