London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
MS Stem Cell Transplant
Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Also known as AHSCT or HSCT, this treatment reboots the immune system to halt the progression of MS.
HSCT therapy for MS
For those with Multiple Sclerosis in whom first line therapies have not worked, HSCT offers the most exciting treatment yet – a true breakthrough in the fight against this debilitating condition.
HSCT aims to ‘reboot’ the immune system, to stop it attacking itself and repair any existing damage. It uses chemotherapy to wipe out harmful cells and then reset the immune system using stem cells found in your bone marrow, known as haematopoietic stem cells. Watch our animation to follow the key stages of treatment.
Suitability for HSCT
Stem cell transplantation treatment of this kind is a highly specialised, intensive procedure. Hear Dr Ben Turner, Consultant Neurologist discuss the suitability of patients undergoing this treatment and why they must meet the following criteria:
- If you have primary, progressive MS (PPMS), you need a lumbar puncture with oligoclonal bands.
- If you have relapsing remitting MS, you have to fulfil the McDonald criteria.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 65.
- Received a diagnosis of MS within the last 15 years.
- Have a mobility score between 0 – 6.5 (walking with bilateral assistance such as two sticks or a rollator frame).
HSCT at HCA UK
London Bridge Hospital is ideally placed to offer this state-of-the-art therapy, led by one of the pioneers in HSCT for autoimmune disease in the UK, Dr Majid Kazmi, Consultant Haematologist.
Providing this treatment requires the highest levels of experience, clinical quality, appropriate back-up expertise and patient support through the prolonged recovery period.
A JACIE accredited centre
Set in an accredited clinical environment and in the comfort of first-class facilities, HSCT at London Bridge Hospital is primed to transform the lives of patients with MS.
Having carried out over 200 transplants across London’s teaching hospitals, the team have vast experience in this game-changing therapy and include specialist HSCT neurologists and haematologists, clinical nurse specialists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and dietitians.
How to get referred
Your consultant neurologist or GP should provide the following information:
- Documented diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis by a neurologist with the date of the diagnosis.
- A record of the ability to walk 20 metres without resting or needing, at most, bilateral assistance with two sticks or a rollator frame.
- If you have relapsing MS, documentation to show that treatment with one of the high-efficacy disease modifying drugs has been unsuccessful.
- If no high-efficacy DMT has been tried, the reason for moving directly to HSCT needs to be recorded.
- MRI scans showing activity within the last 12 months compared to a comparative scan that was done in the previous two to three years. The radiology reports from both time frames should be included with the written referral.
This information will form the basis for an initial consultation with your assigned neurologist, Dr Ben Turner, Dr Eli Silber or Dr Richard Nicholas.
Call 020 3993 8039 to arrange an appointment
Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) for multiple sclerosis (MS)
Hear Reema’s story
Reema, 29, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2015. She booked a consultation with Dr Majid Kazmi, Consultant Haematologist and he put her forward for Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) at London Bridge Hospital. Reema looks back at her experience and shares her story.
Our MS Stem Cell Transplant locations
HCA Healthcare UK at University College Hospital
Grafton Way Building, 1 Grafton Way WC1E 6AG London
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.