Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) halts disease progression, improves neurologic disability and quality of life, and provides a prolonged drug-free remission. A position paper by neurologists and hematologists under the American Society of Transplant and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) has recommended autologous HSCT as standard of care, clinical evidence available, for treatment-refractory relapsing MS with high risk of future disability. Similarly, the EBMT has recommended the use of HSCT as standard or care for patients with highly active RRMS failing at least one DMT. Currently, the optimal conditioning regimen in terms of safety and efficacy is unknown. Herein, we will compare the two most commonly used regimens cyclophosphamide/ATG, or cyclophosphamide/rituximab in terms of safety and efficacy.
This study is designed to compare two non-myeloablative conditioning regimens (combination of chemotherapy and immune specific proteins against immune cells) for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The two conditioning regimens are the most commonly used world wide in clinical practice for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The first investigational conditioning regimen is cyclophosphamide (chemotherapy) and rATG (rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin, a protein against immune cells). The second investigational conditioning regimen includes the same dose of cyclophosphamide (chemotherapy) and rituximab (a protein against immune cells). Both cyclophosphamide and either rATG or rituximab are given to kill immune cells that are thought to be causing MS, followed by return of one's own previously collected blood stem cells (autologous stem cell transplant) to hasten recovery. The goal of this study is to assess the difference of these treatments in terms of toxicity and efficacy.