NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE ACTIVITY AFTER AUTOLOGOUS HAEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION IN AGGRESSIVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: THE NET-MS STUDY
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. For people with fast-acting or aggressive relapsing-remitting MS, standard treatments do not always stop symptoms from progressing. This trial, called NET-MS, compares an intensive treatment known as autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) with strong modern MS medicines. AHSCT uses your own stem cells to help reboot your immune system after high-dose chemotherapy wipes out faulty immune cells. Researchers will follow participants for 36 months (three years). They want to see if stem cell transplantation can help people achieve 'no evidence of disease activity'. This means staying free from relapses, showing no new nerve damage on MRI brain scans, and experiencing no worsening in day-to-day physical disability.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) occurs when the immune system attacks the protective layer surrounding nerve fibres in the brain and spine. This causes flare-ups, also called relapses, where symptoms suddenly worsen before improving. In some people, the condition is particularly aggressive, causing frequent attacks and rapid disability that typical treatments fail to control.
The NET-MS study is investigating whether resetting the immune system through a stem cell transplant is more effective than current top-tier prescription medicines. The procedure involves collecting healthy blood-forming stem cells from your own body, using chemotherapy to clear away the malfunctioning immune cells, and then returning your stem cells through a drip. Over time, these cells grow into a brand-new, healthy immune system that should no longer attack your nerves.
Doctors are measuring whether this approach can help patients achieve 'no evidence of disease activity' over three years. This means having no relapses, no new or growing areas of damage on brain scans, and stable or improving physical abilities. By comparing this transplant to the strongest available biologic medicines, the trial aims to give doctors and patients clear answers about the safest and most effective way to tackle aggressive MS.
Key takeaways
- Compares stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) against leading MS medicines.
- Open to adults aged 18 and over with active relapsing-remitting MS.
- The primary goal is stopping all signs of disease activity for three years.
- Requires regular clinic visits, physical tests, and MRI brain scans.
- Participation is entirely voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This trial is open to adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with active or aggressive relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Both men and women are eligible to take part.
To be considered, participants usually need to show signs that their MS is still active. This typically means having recent flare-ups or new areas of inflammation visible on MRI brain scans, even if they have already tried standard treatments.
Because the study involves strong medicines and hospital care, participants must have good enough general health in their heart, kidneys, and liver to safely manage the treatment. A specialist doctor will run full health checks before anyone is accepted into the study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- You are aged 18 or older.
- You have a confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
- Your MS is active, with recent relapses or new changes on MRI scans.
- You are well enough overall to undergo intensive hospital treatment.
- You are able to commit to hospital visits and monitoring over a 3-year period.
What does participation involve?
If you take part, you will be randomly assigned to receive either a stem cell transplant or one of several approved high-strength MS medicines (such as ocrelizumab, natalizumab, or similar treatments). If you receive the stem cell transplant, you will spend time in hospital to harvest your cells, undergo chemotherapy conditioning, and recover in a protective environment while your immune system rebuilds. Over the course of 36 months (three years), you will attend regular hospital appointments. These visits involve physical examinations, walking tests, hand-coordination tasks, memory checks, blood tests, and periodic MRI brain scans to monitor your health and measure how well the treatment is working.
Potential risks and benefits
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Common questions
What does 'autologous' mean?
It means the stem cells used in the transplant come from your own body, rather than from a donor, which removes the risk of your body rejecting the cells.
Is a stem cell transplant a cure for MS?
No, it is not considered an absolute cure, but it aims to reset the immune system and put the disease into a long-lasting remission.
Can I choose which treatment I receive?
No. Participants are placed into treatment groups at random by a computer to ensure the study results are fair and scientifically reliable.
How long will I be in the trial?
The study monitors your health and MS symptoms for 36 months (three years) from the start of treatment.
Will I have to pay for the treatments in this trial?
No, clinical trial treatments, scans, and tests are provided free of charge through the research programme.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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