Autologous stem-cell transplantation in malignant multiple sclerosis: a case with a favorable long-term outcome

Mult Scler. 2008 Mar;14(2):278-83. doi: 10.1177/1352458507082604. Epub 2007 Oct 17.

Abstract

Malignant multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare but clinically important subtype of MS characterized by the rapid development of significant disability in the early stages of the disease process. These patients are refractory to conventional immunomodulatory agents and the mainstay of their treatment is plasmapheresis or immunosuppression with mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide, cladribine or, lately, bone marrow transplantation. We report on the case of a 17-year old patient with malignant MS who was treated with high-dose chemotherapy plus anti-thymocyte globulin followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. This intervention resulted in an impressive and long-lasting clinical and radiological response. It is concluded that intensive immunosuppression followed by autologous stem cell transplantation is a viable therapeutic option in patients with malignant MS unresponsive to conventional forms of treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antilymphocyte Serum / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / therapy*
  • Recovery of Function*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Transplantation, Autologous

Substances

  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Immunosuppressive Agents