In a recent observational study of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with autologous hemotopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), almost half of them remained free from neurological progression for 5 years after transplant. Younger age, relapsing form of MS, fewer prior immunotherapies, and lower baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score were factors associated with better outcomes. Valid data were obtained from 25 centers in 13 countries for 281 evaluable patients, with median follow-up of 6.6 years. Data analysis was conducted from September 1, 2014 to April 27, 2015. Researchers found:

• 78% (218 of 281) of patients had progressive forms of MS.
• The median EDSS score before mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells was 6.5.
• 8 deaths were reported within 100 days of transplant and were considered transplant-related mortality.
• The 5-year probability of progression-free survival as assessed by the EDSS score was 46%, and overall survival was 93% at 5 years.
• Factors associated with neurological progression after transplant were older age, progressive vs relapsing form of MS, and more than 2 previous disease-modifying therapies.