Takeaway
Within 5 years of receiving autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of demyelination and axonal damage reach normal levels in the majority of patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
Why this matters?
As a one-time treatment for RRMS, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been shown to prolong remission and improve patients’ quality of life. It could be inferred that this approach is able to alter MS-related tissue injury process.
A more thorough understanding of the therapeutic benefit may encourage wider utilization, especially in patients with active disease despite disease-modifying treatments.