Bone Marrow Transplantation Study Update:
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 3:36 pm
Hello everybody, I have been called out to this study next month and I am very excited it is finally here. I am looking to get any input from the knowledgeable people on this site as to anything that will promote regrowth of mylein or help me through this tough procedure. I look forward to your responses.
The Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation is funding a multi-centre project to determine definitively whether transplanting bone marrow stem cells in people with MS can stop the disease. Led by Dr. Mark Freedman (MS neurologist) and Dr. Harold Atkins (bone marrow transplant physician), both at the University of Ottawa, the study involves 32 people with rapidly progressing multiple sclerosis who are likely to become severely disabled.
Bone Marrow Transplantation Procedure
The researchers are using what is known as autologous stem cell transplantation. They “harvest” a portion of each person’s own stem cells which will then be used to create a "new” immune system once they are transplanted back into the person. Powerful chemotherapy drugs are used to totally eliminate from the body the immune cells that are attacking the protective myelin coating of the central nervous system as well as removing any source of their replenishment.
The many potential risks and complications will be explained to each participant at several meetings before they have to decide about participating in the study. Great caution is being taken to ensure the health and safety of each treated participant, but each step of this treatment carries a risk of serious complications. These may be severe enough in a small percentage of patients to be fatal. A safety committee of experts in the field of bone marrow transplantation and MS will monitor all decisions about patient treatment for their protection.
Your advice would be appreciated.
The Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation is funding a multi-centre project to determine definitively whether transplanting bone marrow stem cells in people with MS can stop the disease. Led by Dr. Mark Freedman (MS neurologist) and Dr. Harold Atkins (bone marrow transplant physician), both at the University of Ottawa, the study involves 32 people with rapidly progressing multiple sclerosis who are likely to become severely disabled.
Bone Marrow Transplantation Procedure
The researchers are using what is known as autologous stem cell transplantation. They “harvest” a portion of each person’s own stem cells which will then be used to create a "new” immune system once they are transplanted back into the person. Powerful chemotherapy drugs are used to totally eliminate from the body the immune cells that are attacking the protective myelin coating of the central nervous system as well as removing any source of their replenishment.
The many potential risks and complications will be explained to each participant at several meetings before they have to decide about participating in the study. Great caution is being taken to ensure the health and safety of each treated participant, but each step of this treatment carries a risk of serious complications. These may be severe enough in a small percentage of patients to be fatal. A safety committee of experts in the field of bone marrow transplantation and MS will monitor all decisions about patient treatment for their protection.
Your advice would be appreciated.