Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Treatment

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMO) is a rare but severe autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord, leading to vision loss, paralysis, and other neurological dysfunctions. Due to its high relapse rate, each episode can cause irreversible neurological damage. Therefore, treatment goals focus on controlling acute attacks, preventing relapses, and improving long-term quality of life. Currently, treatment options for this disease mainly include:

Emerging Treatment Methods

Neural reconstruction based on stem cell therapy

Neural reconstruction centered on stem cell therapy is the most promising approach for NMOSD after traditional therapies. The core pathology of NMO is AQP4 antibody attacks on astrocytes, triggering complement activation and inflammatory cascades. Stem cell therapy works through dual mechanisms of immune system reset and neural repair, providing a potentially breakthrough solution for NMO.

Advantages of neural reconstruction with stem cell therapy:

① Immunomodulation: Mesenchymal stem cells can suppress B cell differentiation into plasma cells, reducing AQP4 antibody production.

② Repair of neural structures: Mesenchymal stem cells secrete neurotrophic factors to promote astrocyte survival and repair the blood-brain barrier. Neural stem cells may differentiate into oligodendrocytes, promoting remyelination and improving neural conduction.

③ Targeted regulation of AQP4 antibodies: Stem cell therapy can specifically intervene in the unique pathology of NMO by inhibiting plasma cell survival, regulating B cell homeostasis, and blocking complement-mediated damage.

Conventional Treatment Methods

1. Immunosuppressive therapy

Medications such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclophosphamide effectively control the abnormal immune response, thereby reducing relapse frequency. Some patients require long-term use to maintain stability. During treatment, blood counts and liver/kidney function must be monitored to prevent drug side effects.

2. Steroid pulse therapy

In the acute phase, intravenous high-dose corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone are standard treatment, helping quickly alleviate neuroinflammation and relieve symptoms like blurred vision and limb weakness. Although short-term efficacy is remarkable, long-term use should be cautious to avoid side effects such as osteoporosis and hyperglycemia.

3. Monoclonal antibody therapy

In recent years, B cell–targeting monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab have been widely applied to NMOSD treatment. By depleting pathogenic B cells and blocking AQP4 antibody production, they suppress disease progression at the mechanistic level. Most patients experience significantly reduced relapse frequency after treatment.

4. Rehabilitation and supportive care

In addition to pharmacological treatments, rehabilitation training, psychological support, and lifestyle interventions are also indispensable in long-term management. For patients with visual or motor dysfunction, rehabilitation can improve independence and psychological well-being. Vitamin supplementation, balanced diet, and regular routines also contribute positively to disease management.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that NMOSD is a severe recurrent autoimmune disease, and traditional therapies have limited efficacy. Stem cell–centered neural reconstruction strategies make long-term remission possible, offering patients improved quality of life.