Scientists have just finished testing an adult stem cell treatment for multiple sclerosis. Some of the patients in the trial have had incredible improvements in their condition — after receiving the stem cell treatment some went from being wheelchair bound to walking again.
These latest findings come from an FDA-approved, phase 3 clinical trials that involve researchers in the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden and Brazil. The trial began in 2006. Dr Richard Burt of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine developed the adult stem cell treatment responsible for the breakthrough.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease where the immune system damages the protective layers surrounding nerves. As a result, the nerves become damaged, preventing the brain from communicating with the body effectively. Symptoms of MS include impaired coordination, vision loss, fatigue, and pain.
In the trial, adult stem cells were collected from the patient’s blood or bone marrow. The patient then received chemotherapy to kill the rogue immune cells in their body that were attacking the nerve coatings. The patients then received a transplant of their own stem cells to “reboot” their immune system.
To their surprise, researchers found that the adult stem cell treatment not only reset the patient’s immune system — it reversed some of their neurological impairment.
Similarly encouraging results have occurred in the UK. One patient, named Steven Storey went from being wheelchair bound to standing within 4 months. 10 months after receiving the adult stem cell treatment, he was able to swim a mile and walk. Another wheelchair bound patient was about to walk out of hospital days after receiving the treatment.
The results have been extraordinary and are very encouraging for patients all around the world.
Source: Adult Stem Cell Treatment Reverses Multiple Sclerosis in Trial
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