The Multiple Sclerosis Society is raising awareness of the “long-term promise” stem cell therapy could offer to people living with highly active, relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) once more risk-based research has been carried out.
In a recent article on its website, the prominent charity published the findings of a comprehensive study into aggressive autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantations (AHSCTs) and how such procedures can benefit people with MS.
The study, which followed 24 people who had undergone high intensity chemotherapy and were pursuing AHSCTs, found that the combination of the two could help to ‘halt’ relapses in MS.
In short, it found that MS-related attacks on the immune system could be bypassed very effectively following treatment – in some cases for 10 years or more.
In fact, not a single person who took part in the study experienced a relapse during the ‘follow-up’ period, which ranged from between four to 13 years depending on the patient.
Furthermore, 70 per cent of subjects said that they did not encounter any ‘worsening’ of their day-to-day symptoms following the treatment – while a further 40 per cent said that their disability had ‘improved’.
Sadly, however, AHSCT proved to be an incredibly risky option – and some people found themselves facing serious health complications due to the aggressive chemotherapy involved beforehand.
Following the findings, leading researchers have noted that “the potential benefits should be weighed against the risks” in further studies going forward – particularly those that involve larger sample sizes.
“Future research will be directed at reducing the risks of this treatment as well as understanding which patients would best benefit from the treatment, said Dr Freedman, one of the researchers involved in the initial trial.
Enviva Care provides managed care in the home for people living with multiple sclerosis. To find out more about our services, contact us today.
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