For those living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), life often feels like a series of unpredictable hurdles. But at St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City, we are offering more than just symptom management; we are providing a chance to "reset" the immune system through Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT).

What is HSCT and How Does it Work?

HSCT is an intensive treatment that aims to "reset" a patient's immune system to stop it from attacking the central nervous system. The process involves harvesting a patient’s own healthy stem cells, using chemotherapy to eliminate the malfunctioning immune system, and then reintroducing the stored stem cells to rebuild a new, healthy one.

Dr. Francis Lopez, Head of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Service at St. Luke's – Global City, has been performing HSCT for over 20 years. He explains the transformative nature of the procedure: "The rationale for using HSCT is the removal of the self-reactive immune system... resulting in the reconstitution of an immune system with more normal functions.”

The Advantages of Choosing HSCT

While traditional Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) require lifelong administration, HSCT is often a single-session procedure designed to provide long-lasting results, stopping disease progression, and improving quality of life. Dr. Lopez assures, “After undergoing HSCT, you will be off maintenance medication.” Key benefits of HSCT include:

• Halting Disease Activity: HSCT has demonstrated a high success rate in inducing long-term remission.

• Disability Stabilization: For many, the treatment stops further disability progression and, in some carefully selected cases, can even reverse existing functional impairment.

• Improved Quality of Life: Patients often report significant reductions in MS-related fatigue and a marked increase in energy reserves.

A World-Class Destination for Medical Tourism

St. Luke’s Global City is not only a sanctuary for local patients but also a top-tier choice for foreign medical tourists seeking treatment for a variety of conditions. As the Philippines continues to rise as a hub for global healthcare, St. Luke's stands out by offering world-class medical standards at a significantly more accessible value.

To further ensure a worry-free journey for our global guests, St. Luke’s provides end-to-end support through a dedicated team of International Patient Coordinators. These specialists serve as a bridge to our world-class facilities, offering synchronized appointment setting, medical cost estimates, and facilitation of doctor-to-doctor conference calls to ensure continuity of care with your physicians back home. Beyond medical logistics, our team assists with non-medical essentials, including arranging hotel accommodations and transportation services to and from the hospital. While at the hospital, international patients and their families can experience a seamless journey with assistance with the admission process, and help retrieving medical documents and images for a smooth departure. From the moment you inquire until your return home, our goal is to provide a healing environment focused entirely on your comfort and convenience.

"We don't just treat the disease; we care for the person. Our goal is to provide a seamless, world-class experience that gives our patients their lives back," says Dr. Lopez.

Your Journey Starts Here

If you or a loved one are exploring advanced options for Multiple Sclerosis, our dedicated team at the Blood and Marrow Transplant Service is ready to guide you. Experience the fusion of medical precision and heartfelt care that only St. Luke’s can provide.

For international patients, contact our International Patient Coordination Office:

Telephone:

St. Luke's-Global City: (+63) 918 941 5378 

St. Luke's-Quezon City: (+63) 928 503 9387 

Email: medtravel@stlukes.com.ph

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Manila time)