New research published this week indicates that a stem cell treatment for Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is relatively safe and ready for the next stage of clinical trials. The research was published in the journal Neurology.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative neuromuscular condition. It attacks the nerves in the brain that are responsible for movement, eventually causing paralysis in many parts of the body. ALS is a fatal condition that kills most people within 2 to 5 years after diagnosis. The cause of ALS is not known and there is no cure.

There is only one drug on the market which is used to delay the progression of ALS.  Scientists have desperately been looking for a cure for this deadly disease. Some researchers believe that a stem cell treatment may provide the cure they have been searching for.

Researchers think this stem cell treatment will support neurones in the brain and reduce inflammation. Stem cells can also release growth factors that help brain cells stay healthy.

The results of previous animal tests have been positive, with the mice making new synaptic connections in their brain after receiving a stem cell treatment. The mice also saw an increase of neurotrophic growth factors, which can protect brain cells.

The clinical trial was aimed at determining if stem cell treatment for ALS was safe. It was a small trial, only using 15  patients from three university hospitals. All patients had received an ALS diagnosis within the preceding two years. The group was split into 5 groups, each of which received different levels of stem cells. The treatment involved having an injection of stem cells in the spine.

Some test subjects experienced pain and discomfort during the procedure and from the immunosuppressant drugs that were used. Two patients had more serious side effects, with sensory loss and partial paralysis. Because ALS has no cure and is a fatal disease, the results were seen as quite positive.

Source: Lou Gehrig’s: Safety of stem cell treatment investigated

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