Experience of Application of Embryonic Stem Cells in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Analyzed is the experience of 61 ALS patients (38 men and 23 women) who have been treated at the Cell Therapy Clinic since 1995, mean age 48,4±16,3. Duration of the disease before the initial treatment was as follows: up to 1 year – 10, up to 2 years – 18, up to 3 years – 29, over 3 years – 4. 

Indications for the treatment were confirmed ALS, progressive course, ineffectiveness of routine treatment; contraindications – stage III respiratory insufficiency, artificial ventilation, inability to swallow, G-tube. 

Course of treatment presupposed administration of 4 cell suspensions containing mesenchymal, ectodermal, and endodermal stem cells obtained from growth zones of 4-8 weeks old cadaverous embryos’ systems and organs; amounts administered varied from 0,5 to 4 ml, cell count - from 0,1 to 100x10⁵/ml. 

During the first course of treatment, 67% of patients reported decreased weakness, improved appetite, decreased fasciculations, decreased spasticity, and higher spirits.  In the course of 2 months, 34% of patients observed increased range of motions in the extremities, decreased muscular rigidity, lower reflexes, decreased number of fasciculating muscle zones, better endurance of daily loads, less expressed dysphagia and dysarthria.   In 3-6 months, 58% of patients reported aggravation of condition and reversion of relevant symptoms.   II treatment was performed in 24 cases, in 12,8±4,3 months, III course – in 8 cases, in 10,6±3,9 months, IV course – in 3 cases, in 9,2±4,1 months. 

Repeated courses of treatment also allow for reduced weakness, fasciculations, spasticity, increased range of motions, improved speech and swallowing quality.

Conclusions:

1. Embryonic stem cells don’t terminate degenerative process in motor neurons, but provide for palliation of ALS course. 
2. The best results were achieved in the group where ALS duration didn’t exceed 1 year, and where neurological symptoms were not as markedly expressed as in patients at later stages.