Precision medicine

AHSCT (Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) in MS – Update

This webinar was presented at the first International Neuroimmunology Conference INIC 2024 1-2 March 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In his presentation Professor Magd Zakaria explained the updates in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) for multiple sclerosis (MS). The lecture detailed the types of stem cells, particularly hematopoietic stem cells, and their role in treating MS. Efficacy data from multiple studies and registries were reviewed, demonstrating the benefits of AHSCT in terms of event-free, progression-free, and relapse-free survival rates. The presentation emphasized the improved outcomes in early and aggressive MS cases, the significant reduction in treatment-related mortality, and the comparative efficacy of AHSCT over disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

BIOGRAPHY

Magd Zakaria

Head of the Multiple Sclerosis Unit at the Ain Shams Specialized University Hospital.

Magd Zakaria obtained his medical degree from the Medical School of Ain Shams University in 1980 where he graduated with honors. He completed his residency and obtained his Master’s Degree in Neuropsychiatry at the Neuropsychiatric Department of Ain Shams University in 1984. Prof. Zakaria became Assistant Lecturer in 1989 and thereafter obtaining his MD degree in Neurology in 1989. Prof. Zakaria became Assistant Professor of Neurology in 1994 and Professor of Neurology since 1999 until now. He was Head of the Neurology Department at the Ain Shams Specialized University Hospital in 1990 and Head of the Stroke Unit in 1991. Since 2014, Prof. Zakaria has become the Head of the Multiple Sclerosis Unit at the Ain Shams Specialized University Hospital.

Prof. Zakaria is currently the President of the Egyptian Society of Multiple Sclerosis and a member of the editorial board of the journal MSARD (Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders). He is also a member of the MENACTRIMS assembly board and Egypt’s Brain Health Champion (MS Brain Health Organization).

Prof. Zakaria was also the head of the Neuropsychiatric Department of the Ain Shams medical school from August 2015 till July 2017.