MS rehabilitation after stem cell transplantation (aHSCT)

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) in MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system. As a result of something going wrong in the immune system, the layer around the nerves (myelin) is attacked and damaged. Nerves are thereby exposed and do not transmit signals to and from the brain as well as they should. Sometimes this does not happen at all. This can lead to sudden symptoms of paralysis and invalidation.

Currently, in the Netherlands, regular treatment with medication is aimed at slowing down the disease, reducing attacks and controlling the symptoms. Given the erratic nature of the disease, there is no standard treatment, and for some patients the medication does not work or barely works.

In the Netherlands, stem cell transplantation for MS is not one of the options to choose from when it comes to treating the disease. In recent years, we have seen many people with MS going abroad to receive stem cell therapy. In many Western countries, this treatment is offered to MS patients.

Several studies show that treatment with so-called stem cells can be very effective. For example, research shows that as many as 85 per cent of patients three years after stem cell therapy notice no further symptoms of the disease. After six years, that figure is about 65 per cent, and after eight years, 60 per cent of patients continue to experience no symptoms. And should the disease recur, it is often in a milder form.

aHSCT

The aim of aHSCT is to “reset” the immune system so that inflammatory cells no longer attack the brain, as occurs in people with active MS. Stem cells are very important for repairing damage in the human body. From stem cells, several other types of cells can arise. In this case, stem cells from the blood are used; they can form different types of inflammatory cells and therefore rebuild the immune system. However, this type of stem cell cannot repair organs or tissues, hence aHSCT cannot repair permanent nerve damage.

Treatment

In summary, the treatment with aHSCT consists of three steps. First, stem cells are taken from the patient’s blood or bone marrow and temporarily frozen. Secondly, the patient is given chemotherapy and antibodies to eliminate the immune system. Finally, the patient receives his/her own stem cells back via an infusion, which rebuilds the immune system.

Effectiveness

Several studies have shown the treatment to be effective in a large proportion of people with MS. This group remained free of “relapses” for several years and no new active lesions were found on MRI images. Remarkably, the treatment can lead to stabilisation of the disease and, in some people, even to recovery of loss of function.

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References

Frank Bierlee, Netherlands

On 09/11 I started the 8-week internal COPD Rehabilitation program at MedifitReha here in Spain. This was my last chance, I was no longer happy with this life. Everything due to the consequences of COPD. The gasping for breath, not being able to walk even 5 meters anymore, the lung attacks, and especially the gasping for breath. And it wasn't pleasant for those around me to see me like that either.

Chiel (Michael) & Aty , Visser-Dekker

Michael arrived in Moraira in a wheelchair and left with only a cane as a (temporary) support when walking. Far better than we had ever hoped for! Far better than we had ever hoped for!

Ita, Ireland

“The care was unbelievable—no waiting lists, no being left on a trolley, no rushed appointments. The doctors took every precaution, the physio team was fantastic, and the hospital was immaculate. The staff knew me, remembered my case, and treated me like a person, not a number.
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Esther, Netherlands

From the first moment my wife Esther arrived in Spain until the very end, she received superb care. Both physically and mentally, they worked on Esther's recovery - and with success! We haven't regretted it for a moment and would truly recommend it to everyone!
Jos Jansen - Patient Meditit Reha

Jos Jansen, The Netherlands

I trained intensively with the therapists for 8 weeks. As a result, I now have much more endurance. I also feel much better. The healthy air at the Costa Blanca has also helped significantly.
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Debbie, Netherlands

You can literally leave your daily worries at home and fully focus on your recovery, both mentally and physically. A wonderful concept and wonderfully kind people! I have a goal again and feel a bit more positive about the future; before this adventure, that was completely absent!

Sean,

“One of the best things about getting knee surgery in Spain is the Physio. I started a few days after surgery and had two physio sessions a day for five days. That level of care makes such a difference in recovery, and you’d really struggle to get that anywhere else. The fact that even the physio sessions are fully reimbursed makes it even better. Plus, the team are excellent, and their English is just as good as mine!”

Nanda, The Netherlands

Really, what a fantastic rehabilitation center! Just got back 2.5 weeks after hip surgery. What a professional and lovely beautiful people! Highly recommended for anyone who gets "no" aftercare here, I recommend: go to Spain and Medifit ... health insurers reimburse this. Fantastic team!!
review Klaas Jan Hindriks

Klaas Jan Hindriks - Foreign Correspondent NOS, Netherlands

Your organization and treatment center is not only distinguished by its medical knowledge, but above all by the dedication and inspiring support of the extremely experienced employees.

Marije, Netherlands

At HCB Medifit, I knew from the first moment that I was in good hands, both literally and figuratively. What wonderful people. There is a lot of knowledge and expertise, but above all, genuine attention and careful coordination. For me, the other great strength of the PCS program lies in the combination of different treatments. What especially helped me in this was that all components were focused on both training and improving the physical aspect (namely the complaints I experience) as well as how I can deal with them.

Jego, Netherlands

Medifit, a rehabilitation center where you get the care you need. A great team, Anna, Gerard, Marjolein, Maria, Jef, and Monique. These people give you a boost of positive vitamins. I have made great progress, recommended for anyone who needs care. Thank you! Much love and health to all of you.

Karin , Takes

Wauwww surely proud of myself but especially of all of you. The warm feeling when I think back I keep holding on to. Courage, strength, confidence and zest for life all fantastic gifts I was able to receive from your top team....

Thomas, Ireland

“The hospital is immaculate, the Medifit staff are outstanding, and the overall treatment is better than anything I’ve experienced back home.”

Armand , Herzberg

By tailoring the training to my needs and applying a customized approach, I found the rehabilitation to be effective.

Bert, Huizingh

To everyone who contributed to my recovery: for that I am very grateful. The enthusiasm and passion for the profession are bursting forth. Added to that the personal attention and your eye for the circumstances from day to day make me feel I have to leave some friends behind. So hereby special thanks to Ana, José, Maria, Marjolein and to you for your guidance! Should it come to further (medical) treatment/rehabilitation of the deficiencies in my left foot that you have identified, I will certainly do my best to return under the wings of Medifit!

Jan-Luc , Coenen

After two knee surgeries in one year, I took the step to rehabilitate at Medifit Reha in Spain. The team of therapists and trainers took excellent care of me. In four weeks' time, they helped me so that I can now walk, climb stairs and cycle properly again. The collaboration between the highly skilled doctors and therapists is fantastic, which made me feel like I was always the center of attention as a patient. The high-quality care in a human environment ensured that I was able to make great progress in my rehabilitation. Thank you!

David,

”The physio is intense—but unbelievable. Just a few days after surgery, I couldn’t believe how much progress I had made.”
Mildred May patient recensie medifit reha

Mildred May, The Hague

I felt very comfortable thanks to the kind and caring therapists. I also stayed in a beautiful apartment where I could relax. These 6 weeks have made me much stronger and more confident.

Ann, Ireland

“I was due to fly home after a week, but I extended my stay to get extra physio. The extra physio is reimbursed and the standard is second to none.”
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Henny, Fishermen - White

For all fellow sufferers, no matter how sad the circumstances are, when you visit the rehabilitation clinic in Moraira, you can learn a lot with the cooperation of this fantastic team of therapists, both physically and mentally!

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