Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a safe and effective treatment for ALS, but where do MSCs come from and how does using a recipient’s own stem cells affect treatment?
Keep reading to learn about using a patient’s own cells in stem cell therapy, when you should opt for this method, and when donor cells are a better option.
What Are Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs)?
Mesenchymal stromal cells, or MSCs, are stem cells obtained from sources such as blood, bone marrow, fat tissue, and gum tissue. They can also come from the placenta and umbilical cord of a newborn. The extraction of MSCs is ethical and MSC therapy comes with few side effects.
MSCs can differentiate into different types of cells and have self-renewal properties. Therapy using MSCs can treat a wide range of ailments, from autism to ALS.
While MSC therapy is an accessible treatment, this ALS stem cell treatment cost varies depending on the clinic.
When Is the Use of Patient’s Own Cells Advisable?
Using a patient’s own cells (autologous cells) can be safer than using donor cells since donor cells come with a small risk of immune rejection. Using a patient’s own cells has little risk of rejection since they come from the patient’s own body.
How Do Patient’s Own Cells Work in ALS Therapy?
ALS causes degeneration of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. ALS starts with minor symptoms like muscle twitching and progresses to severe loss of motor function.
Treatment centers like Swiss Medica use autologous MSCs to prevent or even stop the progression of the disease. MSCs protect neurons against damage and assist in the formation of new neurons. MSCs also seek out and restore damaged neurons.
In What Cases Are Patient’s Own Cells Not Recommended?
Extracting cells from a recipient can be uncomfortable and unsafe, especially for ALS patients with chronic health issues. Sometimes a patient’s own cells are not healthy and are therefore ineffective for stem cell therapy.
Using donor MSCs from an umbilical cord or placenta can introduce healthy cells into the body.
For Whom Is Autologous Stem Cell Therapy Most Suitable?
If a patient has early-stage ALS, then their cells may be healthy enough to make autologous stem cell therapy a suitable option. If there’s a risk of immune rejection or a patient has a rare blood type, using a patient’s own cells may be preferable.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Using the Patient’s Own Cells?
Autologous stem cell therapy has many benefits for ALS patients. MSC therapy can improve neuromuscular function and help ALS patients recover some motor functions.
Autologous MSC therapy can slow the progression of the disease and patients may see an improvement in tremors and muscle function. Autologous MSCs have immunoregulatory properties that reduce neuroinflammation in people with ALS.
In conclusion
ALS causes are still unknown, but MSC treatment can prevent neurodegeneration and improve motor functions in ALS patients. Autologous MSCs are a good option for patients who still have healthy stem cells.
If a patient has chronic health conditions or the extraction of stem cells is unsafe or uncomfortable, using donor cells may be more suitable.
