This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

I had my HSCT procedure at Northwestern in Chicago during 8/11. My MS has remained stable; the one, two and three year follow-up MRI's have consistently revealed no new or enhancing lesions on the brain and spine. Attached below is a Facebook page with approximately 2,500 members. The FB page is ded...

Hi Asher,

Good to hear from you. I look forward to your update.

Best regards,

Al

http://www.thisisms.com/forum/general-d ... ml#p206115

See the post from earlier regarding HSCT

https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/149103351840242/ The link above is to a Facebook group pertaining to stem cell transplants (HSCT) for MS and other auto-immune-mediated diseases. Many members, including myself, have had a stem cell transplant. I had mine during August '11 in Chicago. Many members ...

Below is an article regarding the awarding of the Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine to two scientists for discovering that ordinary cells of the body can be reprogrammed into stem cells, which then can turn into any kind of tissue — a discovery that may led to new treatments - perhaps the abili...

Asher, That is awesome news; I am very happy for you and your family. You have come a long way and the 2nd year should hopefully reveal even better improvements. That said let's not lose sight of the fact that you have already achieved goal #1....stop the progression of the MonSter which you obvious...

Hi Step, First-off your English is quite good (in my humble opinion). From what you have mentioned your wife's MS has taken an aggressive turn despite her treatment on a disease modifying drug (not uncommon); is she diagnosed with RRMS? The cyclophosphamide may help, however much may depend on the d...

CVfactor,

You're welcome. I did not ask Dr. Burt why other types of MS are excluded from the trial.

Al

CVfactor- In addition to an EDSS score between 2.0 and 6.0 and a diagnosis of RRMS ('Inclusion' criteria), Dr. Burt's 'Exclusion' criteria include: 14.Diagnosis of primary progressive MS. 15.Diagnosis of secondary progressive MS That said, I do know of one other person that had their HSCT with me la...

Lisa is a tremendous person who, along with her husband Jim, helped me tremendously in successfully having my HSCT on 8/22/11 at NW. She will overcome this temporary speed bump with the six monthly treatments ordered by Dr. Burt and her MS will soon be a distant memory. She is a very strong and dece...

You could find quite a bit of AHSCT information on the facebook pages below. The first is an "open" group comprised primarily of pwMS who had both protocols (non myeloablative and myeloablative) worldwide. The other is a closed group comprised of those who had or will have the non myeloabl...

Asher,

It is very good to hear you are doing very well and it will certainly get much better. I wish you all the very best to you and your family. If I can help you in any way please do not hesitate to "Skype" me.

Take care.

Al

The article below addresses early animal research aimed at eliminating the TH17 T cell that when malfunctioning may be a contributor to autoimmune responses. It may be many years years before it can be studied in humans but at least its being pursued. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/money/scripps-close...

Laura, Based on the Gilenya Phase III study the skin cancer occurrences were way too few to include in any FDA warning. The majority were basal cell (not as severe as melanoma) & those few cases were treated by excising the local spot. However, the skin cancer may not have been related to Gileny...

I was diagnosed in November and the choices for my aggressive MS were Tysabri vs. Gilenya. I opted in consultation with my MS neuro for Gilenya based on a careful review of the Phase III trials (PML risk although very rare was a factor despite Tysabri's clinical study efficacy vs. Gilenya's). I am i...