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

2025-05-28

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.

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

🧠 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

🔗 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

🎧 Tune in now to better understand if stem cell therapy might be an option for you or someone you care about.
If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others in the MS community or leave a review.

💬 And remember: “Find your own path with MS – and look for doctors who will support you on it.” – Prof. Christoph Heesen

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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