Stem cell transplant gives hope for MS sufferers

A STEM cell treatment for people with multiple sclerosis has enabled some patients to walk again, doctors have told a BBC Panorama programme.

About 20 patients have received bone marrow transplants using their own stem cells in a clinical trial that is also being run in the US, Sweden and Brazil.

The treatment, known as an autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), aims to destroy the faulty immune system using chemotherapy.

It is then rebuilt with stem cells harvested from the patient’s own blood.

Professor John Snowden, consultant haematologist at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital where the trial is taking place, said: “The immune system is being reset or rebooted back to a time point before it caused MS.

“It’s clear we have made a big impact on patients’ lives.”

More than 100,000 people intheUKhaveMS,anincurable neurological condition.

One, Steven Storey, said: “I went from running marathons to needing 24-hour acute care. At one point I couldn’t even hold a spoon.”

Within a few days of the transplant he was able to move his toes, and after four months he could stand unaided. He still needs a wheelchair but is astounded at his progress: “It’s been incredible – now I can swim and cycle and I am determined to walk.”

Dr Emma Gray, head of clinical trials at UK’s MS Society, said: “Ongoing research suggests stem cell treatments such as HSCT could offer hope, and it’s clear that, in the cases highlighted by Panorama, they’ve had a life-changing impact. However, trials have found that HSCT may not be effective for all types of the condition.”