Motor Neuron Disease
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a group of progressive neurological disorders characterized by the gradual degeneration of motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling skeletal muscles. These neurons are distributed throughout the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord, where they transmit signals to enable essential functions such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing. As the disease advances, the damaged motor neurons lose their ability to effectively transmit signals, leading to progressive muscle atrophy, weakness, and stiffness, and eventually resulting in the loss of voluntary movement. One of the most common forms of MND is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which typically progresses rapidly, with patients experiencing severe disability or death within a relatively short period after symptom onset. Although other types of MND may progress more slowly, all forms of the disease are irreversible neurodegenerative conditions with no known cure. Current treatment strategies focus on symptom management, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life.
Stem Cell Therapy for Motor Neuron Disease
Stem cell therapy for MND is focused on neuroprotection, functional compensation, and microenvironment remodeling. By targeting the repair of degenerative neural networks, stem cell treatment aims to inhibit the processes of neuroinflammation and apoptosis, thereby significantly slowing disease progression and extending patient survival.
Therapeutic Mechanisms
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Cell Replacement:
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Stem cells can differentiate into motor neuron cells, replenishing those lost or damaged by the disease and restoring neural conduction. Post-transplant, neural stem cells have been shown to differentiate into functional motor neurons in targeted regions and establish connections with the surrounding neural tissue.
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Secretion of Neurotrophic Factors:
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Stem cells secrete a variety of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). These factors support and protect motor neurons, promote their survival and regeneration, improve the microenvironment of neural cells, and enhance overall cell activity and function.
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Immunomodulatory Effects:
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MND is often accompanied by immune abnormalities. Stem cells help regulate the immune system, suppress inflammatory responses, reduce immune cell-mediated damage to neurons, and mitigate the toxic effects of inflammatory factors on motor neurons, thereby creating a more favorable environment for neural repair.
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The primary methods for stem cell transplantation include:
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Intravenous Infusion,Intrathecal Injection and Local Injection.
Our Advantages
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Leading the Industry in Tackling Complex and Severe ConditionsAs one of the first institutions in China to carry out stem cell therapy for motor neuron disease (MND), we have accumulated extensive clinical experience over the years, particularly in managing advanced-stage patients. For individuals suffering from severe symptoms such as respiratory distress, swallowing difficulties, or total paralysis, our stem cell treatments have significantly extended survival time and improved quality of life—helping patients maintain dignity and hope even in the final stages of their illness.
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Overcoming Therapeutic Boundaries to Extend Life ExpectancyOur treatments have resulted in substantial extensions of survival time for MND patients, with some living as long as ten years post-treatment. This remarkable outcome underscores the advancement and effectiveness of our stem cell therapy technologies, bringing renewed vitality and optimism to many individuals facing this challenging disease.
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Solving Complex Challenges and Treating Comorbid ConditionsWe have extensive experience treating MND patients with coexisting conditions, with a case volume leading the field. Our medical team excels not only in managing the primary disease but also in addressing comorbidities such as liver dysfunction, gastrointestinal disturbances, and trauma. Through a multi-pronged approach, we ensure coordinated and effective care that safeguards the patient’s overall health.
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Personalized Plans for Comprehensive InterventionUnderstanding that each patient’s condition and physical state is unique, we are committed to designing individualized treatment plans. By integrating pharmacological therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, neurological rehabilitation training, and surgical intervention where necessary, we offer a comprehensive and systematic approach that maximizes therapeutic outcomes.
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Innovative Treatment Approach Ensuring Safety and EfficacyWe utilize autologous bone marrow cell extraction, which serves two purposes: first, to analyze the patient’s bone marrow cells for accurate assessment and informed treatment planning; second, to cultivate the patient’s own cells for therapeutic use. This method not only minimizes the risk of immune rejection but also significantly enhances the safety and effectiveness of treatment.
Clinical Experience and Outcomes
Since 2005,we have treated over 2,200 MND patients. In 2005, the SunMoon team pioneered advanced stem cell transplantation techniques, such as lumbar puncture and intrathecal injection, to enhance stem cell distribution in the spinal cord and brainstem, thereby improving the rate of disease progression delay by more than 50%.
Major Patient Improvements
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Maintenance of Muscle Strength and Motor Function:
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The decline in ALS functional scores is slowed by 30%–50%, with some patients maintaining stable upper limb grip strength and lower limb support.
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Respiratory Function Compensation:
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Forced vital capacity (FVC) shows improvement of 15%–25% relative to baseline, with reduced dependence on non-invasive ventilation and lower incidence of nocturnal hypoxemia.
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Restoration of Swallowing and Articulation:
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Reduced risk of aspiration, improved clarity of speech, and some patients regaining independent feeding and basic communication abilities.
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Spasticity and Muscle Tone Regulation:
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Increased joint range of motion and a reduction in painful spastic episodes by more than 50%.
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Relief of Neuropathic Pain:
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Significant alleviation of neuropathic pain with a reduction in analgesic requirements by 30%–60%.
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Enhanced Emotional Well-being and Quality of Life:
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Marked decreases in scores on anxiety and depression scales (HADS), with improved social participation and family interaction, resulting in a 30%–60% increase in quality of life indices.
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Slowed Disease Progression:
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Some patients experience an extension of survival by 12–24 months.
With a core model built on neural repair, functional compensation, and social support, we integrate stem cell technology, non-invasive neuromodulation, and AI-driven symptom monitoring systems to provide full-cycle management for patients with motor neuron disease (MND)—from early intervention to rehabilitative care. Our focus extends beyond simply prolonging survival; we are equally committed to enhancing patients’ dignity and quality of life. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and close coordination with families, we strive to help patients regain a renewed sense of life after treatment.