Written based on 16 research studies on PubMed, searched on 2026. nov. 11..
The claim
Posts online say that stem cell treatment helps with neuromyelitis optica (NMOSD).
Where research stands
We found 36 published papers on stem cell treatment and neuromyelitis optica (NMOSD). They were published between 2010 and 2026. 2 of them are studies in people. 1 of them compared people who got it with a group that did not. 2 were studies in animals, and 2 were only in cells in the lab. 11 papers are reviews that sum up other studies. 4 new studies in people are running or will start soon, say the trial registers.
- 2In people1 with a comparison group
- 2In animals
- 2Only in the lab
What the studies found
We have not summed up these studies in words yet. The most important papers are listed under Sources.
Verdict
Stem cell treatment has been tested in randomised trials in people with neuromyelitis optica (NMOSD).
What this means for you: A study in people is not proof that it helps you. Do not stop or change your medicines because of it. Ask your doctor before you start taking it.
Sources
- Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Treat Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (hUC-MSC-NMOSD): A Study Protocol for a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.2022 · Front Neurol · Randomised trial
- Clinical outcome of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in opticospinal and conventional forms of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in a Chinese population.2011 · Ann Hematol · Study in people
- Controversies in neuroimmunology: Multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating disorders.2026 · Biomedica · Review
- Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for treatment of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder - recommendations from ECTRIMS and the EBMT.2025 · Nat Rev Neurol · Review
- Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pediatric autoimmune neurologic disorders.2024 · Handb Clin Neurol · Review
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Can immune tolerance be reestablished?2024 · Handb Clin Neurol · Review
- Comment on: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.2023 · J Clin Neurosci · Review
- Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.2022 · J Clin Neurosci · Review
- Efficacy of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell in the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: an animal study.2025 · Stem Cell Res Ther · In animals
- CFHR1-Modified Neural Stem Cells Ameliorated Brain Injury in a Mouse Model of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders.2016 · J Immunol · In animals
- Study of the cytological features of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from patients with neuromyelitis optica.2019 · Int J Mol Med · In the lab
- Autologous mesenchymal stem cells applied on the pressure ulcers had produced a surprising outcome in a severe case of neuromyelitis optica.2015 · Neural Regen Res · In the lab
- Longitudinal assessment of sNfL and sGFAP in severe NMOSD treated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation.2026 · Front Immunol · Other paper
- Long-term remission of neuromyelitis optica with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.2026 · Med · Other paper
- Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder in a Pediatric Patient Following Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia.2026 · Blood Cell Ther · Other paper
- Late Relapse After Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in AQP4-IgG-Positive NMOSD.2025 · JAMA Netw Open · Other paper
