#115: Stem Cell Therapy for MS – A Conversation with Prof. Christoph Heesen

What this episode is about:
In this episode, I speak with Prof. Christoph Heesen from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) in Germany about stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis. We explore when it makes sense, how it works, who it might benefit – and what the risks are.

Prof. Heesen draws from both clinical experience and ongoing research. He explains the process step by step and gives a transparent look at a clinical trial currently running in Germany. This study compares stem cell therapy with established high-efficacy MS treatments like Lemtrada and Ocrevus – with the long-term goal of securing broader access and insurance coverage.

👉 The original interview was conducted in German and translated into English for this podcast.

You can read through the interview on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/115-ahsct-heesen

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🧠 What you'll learn in this episode:

• Who is eligible for stem cell therapy and why age and disease duration matter

• How the treatment is performed – from stem cell mobilization to immune system rebuilding

• Why stem cell therapy may work better than current medications for some patients

• What risks are involved: from infertility to secondary autoimmune diseases

• What recovery looks like – and what to consider if you have children or a demanding home life

• How Prof. Heesen and his team support patients in decision-making

• The structure and goal of the ongoing German clinical trial comparing stem cell therapy with Lemtrada and Ocrevus

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🔗 Useful Links:

• UKE Hamburg: https://www.uke.de

• German MS Society (DMSG): https://www.dmsg.de

• ClinicalTrials.gov entry for related stem cell MS studies: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov

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🎧 Tune in now to better understand if stem cell therapy might be an option for you or someone you care about.
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