Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition in which the immune system affects the protective covering of nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. Symptoms and disease progression vary from person to person, requiring an individualized approach to care. At Apera Health Group, every patient undergoes a comprehensive neurological evaluation before treatment planning. When clinically appropriate, regenerative medicine may be considered as part of a personalized care program developed by our multidisciplinary medical team, following internationally accepted medical standards.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Stem Cell Treatment Planning Process

Initial Contact
Request for Medical Reports
Medical Assessment
Medical Assessment
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Multiple Sclerosis Care Pathway:

Treatment Goal:

Our regenerative medicine approach aims to help regulate abnormal immune activity and reduce ongoing disease activity. Each treatment plan is personalized based on the type and stage of MS, disease activity, and your medical history.

Expected Approach:
The primary goal is to reduce relapses, limit new MRI lesions, and help stabilize disease progression. Results vary depending on the type of MS, disease duration, existing neurological damage, and previous treatments. Individual treatment goals are determined after a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Who May Be Eligible?
Patients with active MS who continue to experience relapses or new MRI lesions despite disease-modifying therapies may be considered for evaluation. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive review of neurological findings, medical history, imaging results, and overall health. AHSCT may be considered for selected patients with active relapsing forms of MS.

Candidate
Assessment

Clinical Treatment Approach:

Comprehensive Neurological Evaluation: Every patient undergoes a detailed neurological assessment, including medical history, MRI findings, current symptoms, disease progression, and previous treatments. This evaluation helps determine clinical suitability and supports the development of an individualized treatment strategy.
Personalized Regenerative Medicine Plan: When clinically appropriate, regenerative medicine may be incorporated into a personalized care plan developed by our multidisciplinary medical team. Treatment decisions are based on each patient’s individual condition, medical evaluation, and internationally accepted clinical standards. Individual responses may vary, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.

Recovery and Follow up:

After Treatment: Following treatment, patients are monitored by our medical team according to their individualized care plan. Recovery experiences may vary depending on the patient’s condition, overall health, and the specific treatment approach. Patients receive detailed post-treatment guidance and follow-up recommendations to support their recovery process.
Long-Term Care: Continued follow-up appointments allow our multidisciplinary team to monitor progress and provide ongoing clinical support when needed. Treatment plans are reviewed throughout the follow-up period to ensure care remains aligned with each patient’s individual needs. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.

Who May Be Considered for Stem Cell Treatment in MS?

Patients may be considered for a preliminary assessment particularly when they have relapsing-remitting MS, continue to experience new relapses despite highly effective disease-modifying therapies, or have new and active lesions on recent MRI scans. The patient’s age, duration of the disease, current mobility, previous treatments and overall health condition are reviewed together before suitability is determined.

What Is the Aim of the Stem Cell Approach in MS?

The main aim of stem cell-based treatment in MS is to suppress the abnormal immune activity that drives the disease and support the reorganisation of the immune system in a more balanced way. In autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation — aHSCT — the patient’s own blood-forming stem cells are used. The main goals are to reduce new relapses, new MRI lesions and ongoing inflammatory disease activity.

Can Stem Cell Treatment Repair Damaged Nerves?

The primary purpose of this approach is to control new disease activity rather than directly replace or completely repair nerve damage that has already occurred. Reducing active inflammation may create an important opportunity for the nervous system to make better use of its remaining capacity and may help the patient benefit more effectively from rehabilitation. The degree of functional change may vary from one patient to another.

Which Areas Are Monitored After Treatment?

After treatment, the medical team may monitor:

  • Whether new relapses occur 
  • Brain and spinal MRI findings 
  • Walking ability and balance 
  • Muscle strength and endurance 
  • Vision and sensory symptoms 
  • Daily living activities 
  • Overall quality of life 

Progress is assessed according to the overall course of the disease and the patient’s functional condition, rather than through a single symptom alone.

Will Current MS Medications Be Discontinued?

Considering stem cell treatment does not mean that current MS medications should be stopped by the patient. Whether medications should be continued, changed or adjusted before treatment is planned by the neurologist and the relevant specialist team. Providing a complete history of current and previous treatments is important for creating a safe and personalised pathway.

Which Documents Are Required for Preliminary Assessment?

For a more accurate preliminary evaluation, the Apera Health Group specialist team generally requests:

  • A recent neurology report 
  • Brain and spinal MRI scans and reports 
  • Dates and details of recent relapses 
  • Current and previously used MS medications 
  • Recent blood test results 
  • Information about walking, balance and daily functioning 
  • Details of coexisting conditions and infection history 

After the records are reviewed, any additional tests and specialist consultations can be planned.

How Is the Treatment Process Organised in Türkiye?

Apera Health Group coordinates the entire process, from medical record and MRI review to specialist consultations, hospital planning and required medical tests. For international patients, airport and hospital transfers, accommodation, interpreter support and post-treatment communication are also included in the personalised coordination plan. Before travelling to Türkiye, the patient and family are informed about the stages of the process, the expected stay and the necessary preparations.

Is Stem Cell Treatment Suitable for Every MS Patient?

No. Because aHSCT is an intensive treatment process, it may not be suitable for every person with MS. It may be more meaningfully considered in selected patients who have active inflammatory disease and whose disease activity continues despite highly effective therapies. For patients with advanced permanent disability but no recent relapses or active MRI lesions, the expected treatment goals may be different. Suitability should therefore be determined according to current disease activity, not only the diagnosis of MS.

How Can You Receive a Preliminary Assessment from Apera Health Group?

Your or your relative’s suitability for stem cell-based approaches in MS can be evaluated after the medical records are reviewed by the Apera Health Group specialist team. You may request a personalised preliminary assessment by sharing your recent brain and spinal MRI scans, neurology reports, relapse history and current MS medications. Our specialist team will clearly explain the options that may be considered and the next steps in your treatment pathway.

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