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The Use of Autologous vs. Donor MSCs in Treating Multiple Sclerosis

For anyone with multiple sclerosis (MS) who is interested in stem cell treatment, stem cell terminology can make it difficult to understand this innovative therapy. However, while topics such as autologous MSCs and donor MSCs may seem intimidating, they’re quite simple. Keep reading to understand the benefits of MSC therapy for MS, the difference between autologous MSCs and donor MSCs, and how to know which one to choose.

The Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) Therapy in MS Treatment

The cause of MS is not entirely understood, MS is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks itself. The disease affects myelin, a protective layer around nerves in the brain and spinal cord. MS can cause the following symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Mood and cognitive disorders
  • Balance issues
  • Pain
  • Vision problems

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy is an effective treatment for MS because MSCs repair and rebuild myelin within the nervous system. MSCs find and repair damaged cells but also create new healthy cells. Using mesenchymal stem cells for multiple sclerosis can treat symptoms and halt the progression of MS.

 

 

Understanding Autologous and Donor MSCs

To understand MSC therapy, it’s important to understand the different types of mesenchymal stromal cells. MSCs come in two forms: Autologous MSCs and Donor MSCs. Autologous MSCs come from the patient and donor MSCs come from a donor.

Comparing the Characteristics of Autologous vs. Donor MSCs

Autologous MSC means that the recipient and the donor are the same. Autologous MSCs can be obtained from the recipient’s blood marrow, adipose fat tissue, blood or gum tissue.

Donor MSCs, also known as allogeneic MSCs, can be also obtained from a donor’s blood marrow, adipose fat tissue, blood or gum tissue. In addition, donor MSCs can come from the umbilical cord or placenta of a newborn. It’s important to note that MSCs are not obtained from a human embryo.

 

 

Benefits and Challenges of Autologous MSC Therapy

Benefits: Compatibility and Reduced Risk of Immune Rejection

One of the main benefits of autologous MSC therapy is that the risk of immune reduction is relatively low, as the stem cells come from the recipient’s own body.

Challenges: Variability in Cell Quality and Quantity

Since MS patients have a lower quality of health, their stem cells may have difficulty reproducing, which means using autologous cells may be ineffective. In addition to quality, obtaining a sufficient quantity of healthy stem cells from patients can also be a challenge, especially for the elderly.

Invasive techniques to extract autologous MSCs, such as bone marrow extraction, may pose risks to some MS patients.

 

 

Advantages and Limitations of Donor MSC Therapy

One advantage of donor MSC therapy is that stem cell therapy can be started immediately. Autologous MSCs must be sent to an outside laboratory and treatment can only begin once the lab has returned the cells. With donor MSCs, this step is not necessary and stem cell therapy can begin immediately.

With donor MSCs, there is no need for invasive extraction therapies for the recipient. This is especially beneficial if the recipient is prone to bleeding or has other contraindications.

 

 

Decision-Making Factors in Choosing Autologous vs. Donor MSCs

Stem cell treatment centers, such as Swiss Medica, offer treatments using both autologous and donor MSCs. Deciding between autologous and donor MSCs is an important step in finding a suitable stem cell therapy treatment. The following factors are important in deciding the source of MSCs.

    • Age

Recipient age is an important factor in choosing between autologous and donor MSCs. Extracting stem cells from elderly patients may pose more risks. In addition, stem cells from the placenta or umbilical cord of a newborn tend to be stronger.

    • Health

Autologous MSCs may not be suitable if the overall health of the recipient is poor, as their own stem cells may lack in quality and quantity.

    • Timeline

Lastly, if the recipient wants stem cell treatment immediately, then they should opt for donor MSCS, as these aren’t sent to a laboratory before treatment and can be used immediately.

 

 

In conclusion

Differentiating donor MSCs from autologous MSCs is simple. Donor MSCs are stem cells obtained from a donor and autologous MSCs are stem cells obtained from the patient.

When deciding which one to choose, it’s important to consider the patient’s age, overall health and treatment urgency. Understanding your situation and the benefits and advantages of both types of MSCs can help you and your doctor make the right decision.

 

 

Autologous vs. Donor MSCs in Treating Multiple Sclerosis