The hypothesis of the study is that according to modern data, the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis is inextricably linked to the patient's microbiota. Therefore, transplantation of a normal fecal microbiota (FMT) can improve the outcome of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (autoHSCT) by increasing the disease-free period and disease progression suspension for at least 5 years after transplantation, which meets the NEDA (No Evidence of Disease Activity) criteria, satisfying the current trends of clinical neurology.
AutoHSCT may be a method of choice to treat patients with refractory forms of multiple sclerosis, taking into account the insufficient efficacy of first line therapy, lack of availability (government approval) and high cost of monoclonal antibodies as a second line drugs. In this setting, according to the safety-efficiency ratio the most appropriate are reduced intensity conditioning regimens in autoHSCT. In 75% of cases for refractory forms of multiple sclerosis it is possible to achieve 5 years remission with transplant mortality less than 1%. In recent years, it is quite clear that gut microbiota abnormalities may be one of mechanisms for autoimmune diseases development. Therefore, the correction of gut dysbiosis through FMT from a healthy donor can improve the effectiveness of basic therapies. Currently, FMT is a rapidly developing method of treating intestinal infections associated with multi-resistant bacteria, based on the replacement of the recipient's microbiota by the donor's microbiota.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
All patients receive autoHSCT with RIC (Cyclophosphamide, Antithymocyte globulin, Rituximab). After immune system reconstitution (approximately starting D+60 up to D+120), patients will receive FMT from healthy donor via po capsules.
Pavlov First Saint-Petersburg State Medical University
Saint Petersburg, Russia
To evaluate effectiveness of autoHSCT in combination with FMT in patients with refractory multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis progression free survival
Time frame: 365 days
To evaluate overall survival after autoHSCT in combination with FMT in patients with refractory multiple sclerosis
Overall survival
Time frame: 365 days
To evaluate adverse effects after FMT in immunocompromised patients
Toxicity based NCI CTCAE ver.5.0, including analysis of severe bacterial, fungal and viral infections incidence
Time frame: 365 days
Quality of life status 1
Multiple sclerosis-specific questionnaire - HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) before and after autoHSCT: 0-7 points - normal; 8-10 - subclinically expressed anxiety/depression; 11-21 - clinically expressed anxiety/depression
Time frame: 365 days
Quality of life status 2
Multiple sclerosis-specific questionnaire - EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) before and after autoHSCT: 0 points - Normal neurologic exam; 1.0-1.5 - No disability, minimal signs in one or two Functional Systmes (FS); 2.0-2.5 - Minimal disability in one or two FS; 3.0-3,5 - Moderate disability in one FS, fully ambulatory; 4.0-4.5 - Fully ambulatory without aid. Able to walk without aid or rest some 500 or 300 meters; 5.0-5.5 - Ambulatory without aid or rest for about 200 or 100 meters; 6.0 - Intermittent assistance required to walk about 100 meters; 6.5 - Constant bilateral assistance required to walk about 20 meters; 7.0-7.5 - Unable to walk beyond about 5 meters or more than a few steps; 8.0 - Essentially restricted to bed, but may be out of bed itself; 8.5 - Essentially restricted to bed; 9.0 - Helpless bed patient; can communicate and eat; 9.5 - Totally helpless bed patient; unable to communicate effectively or eat/swallow; 10 - Death due to MS
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: 365 days
Evaluation of Immune system reconstitution after autoHSCT 1
CD4+/CD8+ x10\^9/l level before and after autoHSCT + FMT
Time frame: 365 days
Evaluation of Immune system reconstitution after autoHSCT 2
Regulatory T-cells (CD4+CD25+CD127low, cell/mm\^3) level before and after autoHSCT + FMT
Time frame: 365 days
Impact of autoHSCT on brain structure anatomy
MRI 3 Tesla
Time frame: 365