Long-term survival of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who received autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

OBJECTIVE: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive debilitating neurodegenerative disease with a life expectancy of 3-5 years from initial symptoms. We report a case of ALS who received autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC) and was followed up for 7 years. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old man noticed weakness of his legs, difficulties on going down the stairs and coughing during eating in 2009. After complete workout, a diagnosis of ALS was confirmed. His ALS Functional Rating Scale-R (ALSFS-R) was 43. Symptoms rapidly progressed and he coughed and choked during eating. Starting in 2013, the patient received a total of six intravenous infusions of autologous ADSC. Changes in electromyogram, nerve conduction, and A LSFS-R were assessed. RESULTS: Soon after the administration, he noticed that he did not cough during conversation or eating food. Although he had difficulty in walking down the stairs, he remained well without coughing, dysarthria, or dysphagia. His ALSFS-R increased up to 45. Fascicular potentials were not detected in any muscles examined including trapezius muscle and rectus femoris muscles. The patient was well for 7 years after ADSC therapy by the time of this report and more than 10 years from the time of onset. CONCLUSIONS: The present case suggests that autologous ADSC can be administered safely and may be potentially useful in patients with ALS. Further investigations are warranted in order for the results to be generalized to other ALS patients.