aHSCT in multiple sclerosis

Kazmi, Muraro, Mehra et al. (1) report the United Kingdom experience with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) in a group of 364 MS patients (pwMS) treated with aHSCT. Even though the response rate was superior in the relapsing-remitting forms of MS, the authors observed positive responses in all types of MS; this observation is in accord with other reports employing other conditioning regimens (2). We strongly believe that the world medical community will listen more closely to the advocacy by MS patients and their families who have attempted to divulge that HSCT is a very powerful tool in the treatment of persons with MS, and that the procedure is more effective, safer and more affordable than most of the novel drugs currently in use. The information presented in this paper strongly supports the encouraging role of aHSCT in the treatment of pwMS and is obviously most welcome.

Commentary on: Kazmi et al. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis in the UK: a twenty-year retrospective analysis of activity and haematological outcomes from the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (BSBMTCT). Br J Haematol 2025 (Online ahead of print). doi: 10.1111/bjh.20199.