Immunoablative therapy as a treatment for aggressive multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an acquired autoimmune process producing chronic central nervous system inflammation and damage. Complete ablation of the immune system with high-dose cytotoxic therapy is able to rid the body of the autoreactive immunity and control the inflammatory process. Re-establishment of a naive immune system occurs after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Studies show clinical benefit and define the toxicities of this procedure. The results demonstrate that the natural history of aggressive multiple sclerosis can be changed.