MS Living Well Podcast: "Repair, Reset, Reimagine: Stem Cell Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis"

Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Dr. Barry Singer

Episode Overview

This episode explores the landscape of stem cell therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS), featuring leading experts Dr. Mark Freedman (University of Ottawa) and Prof. Stefano Pluchino (University of Cambridge). Together, they unpack the science behind key stem cell approaches, the processes, evidence from clinical trials, practical risks and benefits, ethical questions, and what the future may hold for people with MS.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) in MS

Guest: Dr. Mark Freedman

What is AHSCT? ([01:41])

“Autologous just means from yourself… Hematopoietic is just a word for the blood system."
AHSCT aims to "reset" the immune system by destroying the dysfunctional immune cells causing MS, then rebuilding immunity with a patient’s own blood stem cells.
([01:53])

The AHSCT Process: Step-by-Step ([03:01])

Phase 1: Harvesting Stem Cells
- High-dose chemo (usually cyclophosphamide) + GCSF hormone to release stem cells from marrow.
- Stem cells are collected from blood, sometimes further purified to remove disease-causing cells.
Phase 2: Conditioning
- Hospitalization; powerful chemo (often busulfan and cyclophosphamide) eliminates the existing immune/blood systems.
- Goal: Fully ablate immune system, especially those cells lingering in CNS.
Phase 3: Transplantation & Recovery
- Frozen stem cells infused back; GCSF used again to speed engraftment.
- Sometimes, ATG is used for extra immune depletion.
- Patient is closely monitored during lowered immunity (infection risk), discharged as soon as safely possible.
  ("…within days the white cells come out, we start to count them, and we throw the patients out of the hospital..." [07:11])

Resetting the Immune System: Is AHSCT a Cure? ([07:35])

Dr. Freedman addresses the old debate: If MS is partly genetic, won't it reoccur?
- “That experiment was a complete failure because nobody redeveloped the disease.”
  ([07:35])
Discusses whether it’s a “cure”:
- “I hate to use the C word... Did it stop the progression in 100% of people? No.”
- While inflammation is halted, slow progression can still persist due to ongoing neurodegeneration (“PIRA: progression in absence of relapses” [08:42]).
Results at Ottawa center (150+ patients):
- “None of those patients have ever developed a new MRI lesion in attack. Most have either plateaued or improved.” ([10:08])
- “Zero.” (on new MRI activity [10:15])
- But: existing damage/symptoms remain; no reversal unless inflammation was still present.

Comparing AHSCT to Other MS Therapies ([11:04])

Two large RCTs ongoing (including BEAT-MS): Randomizing patients between best available MS therapy and AHSCT.
- Not all regimens the same: “Using [less ablative] conditioning…up to 25% of patients” can have disease return, but “myeloablative approach… gives you 100%… also riskier.” ([11:04])
Warns: Only highly experienced centers should perform AHSCT; “Buyer beware.” ([13:02])

Who Should Get AHSCT? ([13:02])

“Everybody’s a responder—and that’s the problem… why not just do this on everybody?” Because MS is highly variable.
Best candidates:
- Younger (<45), disease duration <10 years, some residual inflammation, milder disability, no cognitive impairment, relapsing MS.
- “The younger you are, the better... still relapsing is an indication that that inflammation... is still there, there's a fire still burning.” ([15:34])
Less effective in patients with long-standing progression and no inflammation.
- “It breaks my heart to turn patients away like that... If all you've had is pure progression, the results have not been very good.” ([17:18])

Risks and Safety Considerations ([18:07])

Acute (around procedure): Serious infection (due to immune suppression), intensive prophylaxis needed (antibiotics, antivirals, IVIG).
Intermediate/long-term: Rare risk of secondary malignancy (e.g., leukemia), “very small.”
Team expertise is critical: “You’ve got to be with that hematology team.” ([20:39])

Fertility Concerns ([20:39])

“Oh, yeah, 100%. The doses of chemo that we're using, patients are rendered sterile, the men not so much as the women… For women, it's a costly procedure, but if they have the ability to do an ovarian harvest and freeze them… it's really quite spectacular to see that.” ([20:43])
Emotional story of a patient who had a baby after transplant and egg harvest ([21:38])

Accessibility ([22:18])

In Canada and much of Europe: 100% covered by health system (“portability”).
In the US: Expensive, limited insurance coverage; advocacy needed.

Would Patients Do It Again? ([23:18])

“Even though it’s a year out of your life, they’ve all said 100% they would absolutely do it again, especially when they’re free of all these drugs.”
- Timing and center expertise remain vital.

2. Beyond AHSCT: Types of Stem Cells and New Frontiers

Guest: Prof. Stefano Pluchino

Stem Cell Types Defined ([25:03])

“Stem cells are special cells in our body that can... become many different cell types... and can renew over and over.”
- Present in nearly every tissue; role in maintenance and repair.
Types relevant to MS:
- Hematopoietic stem cells: From bone marrow; used for AHSCT to “reset” immune system.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): Found in bone marrow, fat (adipose), and dental pulp. Regulate immune responses, may support repair.
  - “Several tissues, including in bone marrow, but also including the adipose tissue, the dental part also contain a small fraction of mesenchymal stem cells...” ([26:32])
- Neural stem cells: Can become brain cells; investigated for neuroprotection and repair.

Clinical Trials: MSCs in MS ([28:05], [28:24])

MESEMS trial: 144 patients, multicenter (largest academic MSC trial).
- Randomized to MSC infusion vs. placebo.
- Result: “Infusion intravenously of mesenchymal stem cells was safe, was doable, was feasible, but it basically was unaffective in reducing the risk of developing new MRI-based lesions compared to placebo.” No clear benefit in disability or brain atrophy. ([28:24])
- “The conclusion was a little bit disappointing... but... an honest assessment.” (Published in Lancet Neurology 2021)
Hadassah Hospital (Jerusalem):
- Intrathecal (into spinal fluid) vs intravenous delivery; 59% NEDA in IT group, 41% in IV, only 10% in sham group.
- “The route of injection is important because it is important where we deliver the cells... The Hadassah trials… able to enrich mesenchymal stem cells… neuroprotective features... Number of injections also matters.” ([31:28])
- Hadassah: Repeat IT infusions, smaller set of patients, proprietary protocol.

“Stem Cell Clinics” and Unproven Treatments ([34:06])

“I do not recommend these options. These clinics are... promoting unproven stem cell interventions as a cure not only for ms, but for a number of diseases... I strongly, strongly advise patients to seek care from qualified medical professionals, to participate in regulated clinical trials...” ([34:06])
Dangers include lack of oversight, infection, stroke, cancer, unknown substances/procedures.

Ethical/Religious Questions & Embryonic Stem Cells ([35:33])

Concern about embryonic stem cells is “not really” relevant to current MS research/treatment.
The field has moved toward “reprogrammed” cells (induced pluripotent stem cells — iPSCs).
- “You can take a mature cell and kind of backtrack and make it into a stem cell.” ([35:55], [36:08])
- Skin cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent cells, avoiding ethical controversy.

New Research: Neural Stem Cells for Progressive MS ([38:28])

HNSC-SPMS Phase 1 Trial:
- 15 people with secondary progressive MS, advanced disability (EDSS 6.5–8).
- Cells delivered directly into brain ventricles via reservoir and catheter.
- Low-dose immunosuppression used alongside.
- Four escalating doses tested (max: 24 million cells per patient).
Findings:
- “Injection was well tolerated, there were no side effects, not even at the maximum cell number.”
- In patients receiving highest cell count: trend toward reduced brain atrophy (“the more the cells we injected, the least brain shrinkage” [40:51])
- Increase in lipid markers—possible (but speculative) signal of improved brain metabolism or homeostasis.
- Needs confirmation in larger, controlled trials.
- Next step: RESTORE consortium for phase 2 trial, international collaborative effort, newly funded. ([42:39])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Dr. Freedman on Immune System Reset:

"That experiment was a complete failure because nobody redeveloped the disease." ([07:35])
On AHSCT Not Being a Full Cure:

“I hate to use the C word... [Patients] do progress a bit afterwards, at least some of them, but then they level off and they plateau.” ([08:42])
On Patient Selection:

"The younger you are, the better... still relapsing is an indication that that inflammation... is still there, there's a fire still burning." ([15:34])
On Fertility:

"Oh, yeah, 100%. Because if the doses of chemo that we're using, patients are rendered sterile... But if they [women] have the ability to do an ovarian harvest and freeze them... they've given birth to their own children through the technology." ([20:43]) Describes emotional reaction to a former patient coming back with her baby, years disease-free (21:38).
Dr. Pluchino on Unregulated Clinics:

"I do not recommend these options. These clinics are in fact promoting unproven stem cell interventions as a cure not only for ms, but for a number of diseases... I strongly, strongly advise patients to seek care from qualified medical professionals..." ([34:06])
On ‘Reprogramming’ Mature Cells:

“If we take a cell of our skin, we deliver... transcription factors... That cell will become a pluripotent stem cell.” ([36:08])
On Early Results with Neural Stem Cells:

“We found out that it was possible to establish clinical grade and clinically applicable neural stem cell medicines, that the injection was well tolerated... and there was a trend towards reduction of brain atrophy.” ([40:45])

Important Timestamps

01:41 – What is AHSCT and its role in MS?
03:01 – Step-by-step walkthrough of AHSCT process
07:35 – Why doesn’t the immune system “reset” relapse into MS again?
08:42 – Does AHSCT stop all MS progression? Is it a cure?
10:15 – MRI evidence post-AHSCT
11:04 – Clinical trials comparing AHSCT to standard DMTs
13:02 – Best candidates for AHSCT; cautions on center selection
15:34 – Patient characteristics linked to best outcomes
17:18 – AHSCT in progressive (non-relapsing) MS
18:07 – Detailed safety/risks of AHSCT
20:39 – Fertility concerns and solutions
22:18 – Access and insurance coverage issues
23:18 – Patient satisfaction and willingness to repeat procedure
25:03 – Types of stem cells, overview from Dr. Pluchino
28:24 – MESEMS trial results: IV MSCs in MS
31:28 – Hadassah trial: Intrathecal MSCs & clinical outcomes; route of delivery matters
34:06 – Warning against "stem cell clinics"
35:33 – Embryonic stem cell use: regulatory & ethical context
36:08 – Induced pluripotent stem cells: science explained
38:28 – Phase 1 neural stem cell trial design and results
42:39 – Next steps: RESTORE consortium, new clinical trials

Summary Table: Stem Cell Approaches in MS

| Type | Route / Protocol | Main Purpose | Evidence/Trials | Takeaways | |-------------------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Autologous Hematopoietic (AHSCT) | High-dose chemo, IV | Immune reset/ablation | Ottawa data, BEAT-MS RCT ongoing | Profound disease suppression in relapsing MS; high risk, specialized centers only, best when inflammation present. | | Mesenchymal (MSC) | IV or intrathecal | Immunomodulation/repair | MESEMS (IV, not effective), Hadassah (IT, promising) | Route matters; IT, repeated dosing may help; unproven clinics risky. | | Neural stem cells (iNSC) | Intracerebral/ventricular| Neuroprotection, repair | HNSC-SPMS Phase 1 (safety shown) | Early results promising for progressive MS. Phase 2 needed. |

Tone and Final Advice

Both Dr. Freedman and Prof. Pluchino are cautiously optimistic: the science is exciting, but stem cell therapies must be approached with medical rigor, patient safety, and personalization.
Key message throughout: Do not seek stem cell treatments outside regulated trials or established medical centers. Advocacy is needed for better access, but only science-backed approaches should be pursued.
“We recommend staying informed, discussing all your options with a trusted healthcare team and only pursuing options backed by solid science.” ([43:56])

For more details on clinical trials, reputable centers, and advancing research, check show notes and mslivingwell.org.

MS Living Well Podcast: "Repair, Reset, Reimagine: Stem Cell Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis"

Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Dr. Barry Singer

Episode Overview

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) in MS

Guest: Dr. Mark Freedman

What is AHSCT? ([01:41])

“Autologous just means from yourself… Hematopoietic is just a word for the blood system."
AHSCT aims to "reset" the immune system by destroying the dysfunctional immune cells causing MS, then rebuilding immunity with a patient’s own blood stem cells.
([01:53])

The AHSCT Process: Step-by-Step ([03:01])

Phase 1: Harvesting Stem Cells
- High-dose chemo (usually cyclophosphamide) + GCSF hormone to release stem cells from marrow.
- Stem cells are collected from blood, sometimes further purified to remove disease-causing cells.
Phase 2: Conditioning
- Hospitalization; powerful chemo (often busulfan and cyclophosphamide) eliminates the existing immune/blood systems.
- Goal: Fully ablate immune system, especially those cells lingering in CNS.
Phase 3: Transplantation & Recovery
- Frozen stem cells infused back; GCSF used again to speed engraftment.
- Sometimes, ATG is used for extra immune depletion.
- Patient is closely monitored during lowered immunity (infection risk), discharged as soon as safely possible.
  ("…within days the white cells come out, we start to count them, and we throw the patients out of the hospital..." [07:11])

Resetting the Immune System: Is AHSCT a Cure? ([07:35])

Dr. Freedman addresses the old debate: If MS is partly genetic, won't it reoccur?
- “That experiment was a complete failure because nobody redeveloped the disease.”
  ([07:35])
Discusses whether it’s a “cure”:
- “I hate to use the C word... Did it stop the progression in 100% of people? No.”
- While inflammation is halted, slow progression can still persist due to ongoing neurodegeneration (“PIRA: progression in absence of relapses” [08:42]).
Results at Ottawa center (150+ patients):
- “None of those patients have ever developed a new MRI lesion in attack. Most have either plateaued or improved.” ([10:08])
- “Zero.” (on new MRI activity [10:15])
- But: existing damage/symptoms remain; no reversal unless inflammation was still present.

Comparing AHSCT to Other MS Therapies ([11:04])

Two large RCTs ongoing (including BEAT-MS): Randomizing patients between best available MS therapy and AHSCT.
- Not all regimens the same: “Using [less ablative] conditioning…up to 25% of patients” can have disease return, but “myeloablative approach… gives you 100%… also riskier.” ([11:04])
Warns: Only highly experienced centers should perform AHSCT; “Buyer beware.” ([13:02])

Who Should Get AHSCT? ([13:02])

“Everybody’s a responder—and that’s the problem… why not just do this on everybody?” Because MS is highly variable.
Best candidates:
- Younger (<45), disease duration <10 years, some residual inflammation, milder disability, no cognitive impairment, relapsing MS.
- “The younger you are, the better... still relapsing is an indication that that inflammation... is still there, there's a fire still burning.” ([15:34])
Less effective in patients with long-standing progression and no inflammation.
- “It breaks my heart to turn patients away like that... If all you've had is pure progression, the results have not been very good.” ([17:18])

Risks and Safety Considerations ([18:07])

Acute (around procedure): Serious infection (due to immune suppression), intensive prophylaxis needed (antibiotics, antivirals, IVIG).
Intermediate/long-term: Rare risk of secondary malignancy (e.g., leukemia), “very small.”
Team expertise is critical: “You’ve got to be with that hematology team.” ([20:39])

Fertility Concerns ([20:39])

“Oh, yeah, 100%. The doses of chemo that we're using, patients are rendered sterile, the men not so much as the women… For women, it's a costly procedure, but if they have the ability to do an ovarian harvest and freeze them… it's really quite spectacular to see that.” ([20:43])
Emotional story of a patient who had a baby after transplant and egg harvest ([21:38])

Accessibility ([22:18])

In Canada and much of Europe: 100% covered by health system (“portability”).
In the US: Expensive, limited insurance coverage; advocacy needed.

Would Patients Do It Again? ([23:18])

“Even though it’s a year out of your life, they’ve all said 100% they would absolutely do it again, especially when they’re free of all these drugs.”
- Timing and center expertise remain vital.

2. Beyond AHSCT: Types of Stem Cells and New Frontiers

Guest: Prof. Stefano Pluchino

Stem Cell Types Defined ([25:03])

“Stem cells are special cells in our body that can... become many different cell types... and can renew over and over.”
- Present in nearly every tissue; role in maintenance and repair.
Types relevant to MS:
- Hematopoietic stem cells: From bone marrow; used for AHSCT to “reset” immune system.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): Found in bone marrow, fat (adipose), and dental pulp. Regulate immune responses, may support repair.
  - “Several tissues, including in bone marrow, but also including the adipose tissue, the dental part also contain a small fraction of mesenchymal stem cells...” ([26:32])
- Neural stem cells: Can become brain cells; investigated for neuroprotection and repair.

Clinical Trials: MSCs in MS ([28:05], [28:24])

MESEMS trial: 144 patients, multicenter (largest academic MSC trial).
- Randomized to MSC infusion vs. placebo.
- Result: “Infusion intravenously of mesenchymal stem cells was safe, was doable, was feasible, but it basically was unaffective in reducing the risk of developing new MRI-based lesions compared to placebo.” No clear benefit in disability or brain atrophy. ([28:24])
- “The conclusion was a little bit disappointing... but... an honest assessment.” (Published in Lancet Neurology 2021)
Hadassah Hospital (Jerusalem):
- Intrathecal (into spinal fluid) vs intravenous delivery; 59% NEDA in IT group, 41% in IV, only 10% in sham group.
- “The route of injection is important because it is important where we deliver the cells... The Hadassah trials… able to enrich mesenchymal stem cells… neuroprotective features... Number of injections also matters.” ([31:28])
- Hadassah: Repeat IT infusions, smaller set of patients, proprietary protocol.

“Stem Cell Clinics” and Unproven Treatments ([34:06])

“I do not recommend these options. These clinics are... promoting unproven stem cell interventions as a cure not only for ms, but for a number of diseases... I strongly, strongly advise patients to seek care from qualified medical professionals, to participate in regulated clinical trials...” ([34:06])
Dangers include lack of oversight, infection, stroke, cancer, unknown substances/procedures.

Ethical/Religious Questions & Embryonic Stem Cells ([35:33])

Concern about embryonic stem cells is “not really” relevant to current MS research/treatment.
The field has moved toward “reprogrammed” cells (induced pluripotent stem cells — iPSCs).
- “You can take a mature cell and kind of backtrack and make it into a stem cell.” ([35:55], [36:08])
- Skin cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent cells, avoiding ethical controversy.

New Research: Neural Stem Cells for Progressive MS ([38:28])

HNSC-SPMS Phase 1 Trial:
- 15 people with secondary progressive MS, advanced disability (EDSS 6.5–8).
- Cells delivered directly into brain ventricles via reservoir and catheter.
- Low-dose immunosuppression used alongside.
- Four escalating doses tested (max: 24 million cells per patient).
Findings:
- “Injection was well tolerated, there were no side effects, not even at the maximum cell number.”
- In patients receiving highest cell count: trend toward reduced brain atrophy (“the more the cells we injected, the least brain shrinkage” [40:51])
- Increase in lipid markers—possible (but speculative) signal of improved brain metabolism or homeostasis.
- Needs confirmation in larger, controlled trials.
- Next step: RESTORE consortium for phase 2 trial, international collaborative effort, newly funded. ([42:39])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Dr. Freedman on Immune System Reset:

"That experiment was a complete failure because nobody redeveloped the disease." ([07:35])
On AHSCT Not Being a Full Cure:

“I hate to use the C word... [Patients] do progress a bit afterwards, at least some of them, but then they level off and they plateau.” ([08:42])
On Patient Selection:

"The younger you are, the better... still relapsing is an indication that that inflammation... is still there, there's a fire still burning." ([15:34])
On Fertility:

"Oh, yeah, 100%. Because if the doses of chemo that we're using, patients are rendered sterile... But if they [women] have the ability to do an ovarian harvest and freeze them... they've given birth to their own children through the technology." ([20:43]) Describes emotional reaction to a former patient coming back with her baby, years disease-free (21:38).
Dr. Pluchino on Unregulated Clinics:

"I do not recommend these options. These clinics are in fact promoting unproven stem cell interventions as a cure not only for ms, but for a number of diseases... I strongly, strongly advise patients to seek care from qualified medical professionals..." ([34:06])
On ‘Reprogramming’ Mature Cells:

“If we take a cell of our skin, we deliver... transcription factors... That cell will become a pluripotent stem cell.” ([36:08])
On Early Results with Neural Stem Cells:

“We found out that it was possible to establish clinical grade and clinically applicable neural stem cell medicines, that the injection was well tolerated... and there was a trend towards reduction of brain atrophy.” ([40:45])

Important Timestamps

01:41 – What is AHSCT and its role in MS?
03:01 – Step-by-step walkthrough of AHSCT process
07:35 – Why doesn’t the immune system “reset” relapse into MS again?
08:42 – Does AHSCT stop all MS progression? Is it a cure?
10:15 – MRI evidence post-AHSCT
11:04 – Clinical trials comparing AHSCT to standard DMTs
13:02 – Best candidates for AHSCT; cautions on center selection
15:34 – Patient characteristics linked to best outcomes
17:18 – AHSCT in progressive (non-relapsing) MS
18:07 – Detailed safety/risks of AHSCT
20:39 – Fertility concerns and solutions
22:18 – Access and insurance coverage issues
23:18 – Patient satisfaction and willingness to repeat procedure
25:03 – Types of stem cells, overview from Dr. Pluchino
28:24 – MESEMS trial results: IV MSCs in MS
31:28 – Hadassah trial: Intrathecal MSCs & clinical outcomes; route of delivery matters
34:06 – Warning against "stem cell clinics"
35:33 – Embryonic stem cell use: regulatory & ethical context
36:08 – Induced pluripotent stem cells: science explained
38:28 – Phase 1 neural stem cell trial design and results
42:39 – Next steps: RESTORE consortium, new clinical trials

Summary Table: Stem Cell Approaches in MS

Tone and Final Advice

Both Dr. Freedman and Prof. Pluchino are cautiously optimistic: the science is exciting, but stem cell therapies must be approached with medical rigor, patient safety, and personalization.
Key message throughout: Do not seek stem cell treatments outside regulated trials or established medical centers. Advocacy is needed for better access, but only science-backed approaches should be pursued.
“We recommend staying informed, discussing all your options with a trusted healthcare team and only pursuing options backed by solid science.” ([43:56])

For more details on clinical trials, reputable centers, and advancing research, check show notes and mslivingwell.org.

Repair, Reset, Reimagine: Stem Cell Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis

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Summary

MS Living Well Podcast: "Repair, Reset, Reimagine: Stem Cell Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis"

Episode Overview

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) in MS

What is AHSCT? ([01:41])

The AHSCT Process: Step-by-Step ([03:01])

Resetting the Immune System: Is AHSCT a Cure? ([07:35])

Comparing AHSCT to Other MS Therapies ([11:04])

Who Should Get AHSCT? ([13:02])

Risks and Safety Considerations ([18:07])

Fertility Concerns ([20:39])

Accessibility ([22:18])

Would Patients Do It Again? ([23:18])

2. Beyond AHSCT: Types of Stem Cells and New Frontiers

Stem Cell Types Defined ([25:03])

Clinical Trials: MSCs in MS ([28:05], [28:24])

“Stem Cell Clinics” and Unproven Treatments ([34:06])

Ethical/Religious Questions & Embryonic Stem Cells ([35:33])

New Research: Neural Stem Cells for Progressive MS ([38:28])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Summary Table: Stem Cell Approaches in MS

Tone and Final Advice

Summary

MS Living Well Podcast: "Repair, Reset, Reimagine: Stem Cell Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis"

Episode Overview

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) in MS

What is AHSCT? ([01:41])

The AHSCT Process: Step-by-Step ([03:01])

Resetting the Immune System: Is AHSCT a Cure? ([07:35])

Comparing AHSCT to Other MS Therapies ([11:04])

Who Should Get AHSCT? ([13:02])

Risks and Safety Considerations ([18:07])

Fertility Concerns ([20:39])

Accessibility ([22:18])

Would Patients Do It Again? ([23:18])

2. Beyond AHSCT: Types of Stem Cells and New Frontiers

Stem Cell Types Defined ([25:03])

Clinical Trials: MSCs in MS ([28:05], [28:24])

“Stem Cell Clinics” and Unproven Treatments ([34:06])

Ethical/Religious Questions & Embryonic Stem Cells ([35:33])

New Research: Neural Stem Cells for Progressive MS ([38:28])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Summary Table: Stem Cell Approaches in MS

Tone and Final Advice