High-Dose Immunosuppression and Autologous Transplantation for Multiple Sclerosis (HALT MS) Study

Treatment tested

• Prednisone

  Glucocorticoid receptor agonist

• Carmustine

  DNA inhibitor|Glutathione reductase inhibitor|RNA inhibitor

• Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Other measures (19)

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of relapsing-remitting or progressive-relapsing multiple sclerosis for less than 15 years using McDonald Criteria. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol * Score between 3.0 and 5.5 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) * T2 abnormalities on brain MRI consistent with MS * Two or more relapses in 18 months time on interferon (IFN), glatiramer acetate (GA), natalizumab or cytotoxic therapy with EDSS increase of 1.0 or greater for participants with EDSS at screening of 3.0 to 3.5 (0.5 or greater for participants with EDSS at screening of 4.0 to 5.5) sustained at least 4 weeks after at least one of these relapses OR one relapse on IFN, GA, natalizumab or cytotoxic therapy with EDSS increase of 1.5 or greater (1.0 for subjects with EDSS at screening of 5.5) sustained at least 4 weeks, together with MRI changes consistent with poor prognosis. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol. * On IFN or GA for at least 6 months before the relapses occur that are counted to satisfy previous inclusion criterion OR have received adequate doses of natalizumab or cytotoxic therapy on a treatment schedule before the relapses occur that are counted to satisfy previous inclusion criterion * Approval by an MS Review Panel to participate in the study. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol * In good clinical condition with adequate organ function and without coexisting medical problems that would increase the risk to the participant * Willing to use acceptable methods of contraception * Willing and able to comply with all study requirements and * Willing to accept and comprehend irreversible sterility as side effect of therapy. Exclusion Criteria: * Primary progressive MS * Secondary progressive MS without relapses (i.e., progression without exacerbations or relapses) for 12 or more months * Neuromyelitis optica, a disease similar to MS * Initiation of new immunosuppressant treatment after the participant becomes eligible for the protocol or continuance of immunosuppressant drugs after the participant is screened for the protocol. Treatment with IFN, GA, or corticosteroids is permitted after the participant becomes eligible for the protocol. * Lapse of greater than 6 months between the time a participant is eligible for the protocol and initiation of protocol treatment except when judged acceptable by the MS Review Panel * Prior treatment with investigational immunosuppressive agents within 3 months of study eligibility * Positive baseline plasma and CSF testing for JC virus or a brain MRI that has changes consistent with a diagnosis of progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML) * History of cytopenia consistent with the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) * Active hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, or HIV infection * Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus * Uncontrolled viral, fungal, or bacterial infection. Patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria are not excluded * Any illness that would jeopardize the ability to tolerate aggressive chemotherapy * Prior history of malignancy, except localized basal cell or squamous skin cancer. Other malignancies for which the subject is judged cured by the administered therapy will be considered on an individual basis. * Hypersensitivity to mouse, rabbit, or Escherichia coli-derived proteins or to iron compounds/medications * Metallic objects implanted in the body that would affect MRI exams * Psychiatric illness, mental deficiency, or cognitive dysfunction or * Pregnancy.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), a serious disease in which the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. MS can be progressive and severe and lead to significant disability. The study treatment involves the use of high-dose chemotherapeutic drugs to suppress the immune system. The participant's own (autologous) blood-forming (hematopoietic, CD34+) stem cells are collected before the chemotherapy is given, and then transplanted back into the body following treatment. Transplantation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells is required to prevent very prolonged periods of low blood cell counts after the high-dose chemotherapy.