TourWellSoon offers a specialized Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) program for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This procedure, often described as “rebooting” the immune system, is a potent treatment aimed at stopping the inflammatory damage caused by MS and providing a path toward long-term remission.
Our advanced HSCT treatment program for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) includes:
Comprehensive diagnosis and evaluation:
The journey begins with a meticulous assessment to ensure HSCT is both safe and effective for the patient. Tourwellsoon, with our partnered hospital, coordinates a thorough diagnostic protocol:
- Neurological assessment: Evaluation of the patient’s Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score to determine current mobility and neurological function.
- High-resolution MRI: Detailed imaging of the brain and spinal cord (often with gadolinium contrast) to identify active inflammatory lesions and the volume of previous damage.
- Hematological screening: Extensive blood work to evaluate bone marrow function and ensure there are no underlying infections (such as HIV, Hepatitis, or latent TB).
- Organ function testing: Including Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT), Echocardiograms (ECG), and renal function tests to ensure the body can safely handle the conditioning phase.
Treatment provided by us:
The HSCT Treatment Process:
The entire medical procedure, which typically follows a specific clinical timeline of roughly 30 to 45 days, includes:
- Mobilization: Patients receive medications (growth factors) to stimulate the production of stem cells and move them from the bone marrow into the bloodstream.
- Harvesting (Apheresis): The stem cells are collected from the blood using a specialized machine. These cells are then processed and cryopreserved (frozen) for later use.
- Conditioning (Chemotherapy): The patient undergoes a course of high-dose chemotherapy. The goal is to eliminate the dysfunctional immune system that is mistakenly attacking the central nervous system.
- Stem cell reinfusion: The harvested healthy stem cells are thawed and infused back into the patient’s bloodstream, similar to a blood transfusion. These cells migrate to the bone marrow to begin building a brand-new, healthy immune system.
- Recovery & engraftment: The patient stays in a sterile, HEPA-filtered isolation room for 10–14 days while the new immune system “takes root” (engraftment). During this time, the medical team provides intensive supportive care to prevent infection.
MS Conditions we treat:
HSCT is most effective for patients who are still in the inflammatory stage of the disease. Our program focuses on:
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): Especially for patients who continue to have relapses or new lesions despite being on high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).
- Aggressive/rapidly evolving MS: Patients who have experienced a significant decline in disability or frequent relapses within a short period.
- Active secondary progressive MS (SPMS): For patients in the progressive phase who still show signs of active inflammation on MRI scans.
Why choose TourWellSoon for your HSCT treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
- Access to World-Class Facilities: We partner with JCI-accredited hospitals in India that have specialized, high-volume Bone Marrow Transplant units with state-of-the-art isolation suites.
- Expert Hematology Teams: Our partner surgeons and hematologists are among the most experienced in the world, having performed thousands of transplants with high success and safety records.
- Exceptional Cost-Efficiency: Accessing HSCT through Tourwellsoon typically costs $30,000 to $40,000, which is a fraction of the cost in the US or UK, covering the entire hospital stay and medical fees.
- End-to-End Logistics: We manage the “non-medical” stress, including medical visa invitation letters, airport transfers, local SIM cards, and language translation services.
- Post-Transplant Support: We arrange sanitized, BMT-friendly accommodations for the 100-day post-transplant period, ensuring a safe environment for recovery before you fly home.
HSCT FAQs:
To help patients navigate their journey with TourWellSoon, here are the most frequently asked questions regarding HSCT for Multiple Sclerosis. These are designed to address the common concerns of international patients while reinforcing the safety and expertise of our services.
1. Is HSCT a “cure” for Multiple Sclerosis?
Ans: While HSCT is often described as a “reset,” it is technically a high-efficacy treatment aimed at long-term remission. For most patients, the goal is NEDA (No Evidence of Disease Activity), meaning no new relapses, no new lesions on MRI, and no further disability progression for many years.
2. Can HSCT reverse existing disability or nerve damage?
Ans: HSCT is primarily an anti-inflammatory treatment. It stops the immune system from causing new damage. While some patients report improvements in mobility or fatigue as inflammation subsides, HSCT cannot “regrow” myelin that has already been permanently scarred. This is why early treatment is often recommended.
3. Who is the “ideal candidate” for this treatment?
Ans: The best results are typically seen in patients who:
- Have Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS).
- Show signs of active inflammation (new lesions) on recent MRI scans.
- Have an EDSS (disability score) of 6 or lower.
- Are generally under the age of 50.
4. Will I be using my own stem cells or a donor’s?
Ans: Our partnered hospitals facilitate Autologous HSCT, which means we use your own healthy stem cells. This eliminates the risk of “Graft-versus-Host Disease” (rejection) and is the standard, safest protocol for MS treatment.
5. How long is the hospital stay?
Ans: The typical medical travel duration is approximately 21 days.
- Mobilization and harvesting of stem cells.
- Conditioning (chemotherapy) and reinfusion.
- Recovery in a sterile isolation room until your white blood cell counts recover.
6. Is the chemotherapy used in HSCT the same as cancer treatment?
Ans: Yes, the conditioning phase uses chemotherapy drugs similar to those used for blood cancers, but the dosage and protocol are specifically tailored to “cleanse” the immune system of the faulty cells attacking your nervous system.
7. When can I expect to see results?
Ans: Immune system “reconstitution” takes time. Most patients begin to feel the stabilization of their symptoms within 3 to 6 months post-transplant.
The recovery process and long-term outcomes of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) are highly individualistic. While the procedure follows a standardized medical protocol, the biological response of the patient’s immune system and the subsequent “repair phase” vary significantly.
8. What are the long-term risks?
Ans: While the procedure is highly effective. We discuss these in detail during your initial consultation so you can make an informed decision.
9. Why should I choose TourWellSoon for my treatment in India?
Ans: We offer access to JCI-accredited BMT (Bone Marrow Transplant) units at 60-70% lower costs than in the US or UK. Our service includes a dedicated patient coordinator, medical visa assistance, and airport transfers, allowing you to focus entirely on your healing.
Next Steps:
If you are experiencing a progression of MS symptoms or active relapses, please contact TourWellSoon to schedule a consultation with one of our specialized hematologists. We will work with you to identify the stage of your condition, develop a personalized HSCT treatment plan, and help you achieve long-term remission and neurological stability.
For enquiries, kindly fill out the medical query form, or you can share your medical reports on our email help@tourwellsoon.com or our WhatsApp number +91-88105 22512.
