Multiple Sclerosis: Advances in Stem Cell Treatment
Introduction
Lately, multiple sclerosis (MS) patient Jan Wilks began walking days after treatment with umbilical cord stem cells, after previously relying on a wheelchair. Coverage of her case in the press sparked a huge demand for further information on this cutting-edge treatment. Jan Wilks is just one of many success stories associated with stem cell therapy.
Stem Cell Treatment
Stem cell treatment involves topical injections and requires only a short stay at one of the twelve international clinics. In a typical MS case, multiple injections from a single vial of stem cells are administered into the skin/fat layer over the spine and one or two severely affected areas of the body (e.g., into the muscle of an affected hand, or near an eye with visual problems). The exact method of administration is tailored to each individual case, focusing on the areas of highest need.
This case-specific injection protocol appears to deliver the fastest and most robust responses recorded.
Mechanism of Action
If there is damage to the brain, stem cells are injected into the skin according to the anatomical locations of specific brain regions. For instance, if there is damage to the cerebellum, the stem cells would be injected subcutaneously at the back of the head. This method has no associated risks.
Stem cells can reach damaged areas in the brain by traveling through the bloodstream, as they are derived from blood. One of their primary functions is to migrate to areas of need in the body through a process called homing. In MS, damage in the brain and spinal cord does not follow a predictable pattern, making direct injection into the central nervous system challenging and risky.
Research shows benefits derived from stem cell therapy in both Progressive and Relapsing/Remitting types of MS. However, the type and speed of benefits, extent of recovery, and mechanisms by which recovery occurs may vary from PP to RR; nevertheless, results are consistent across both types.
Treatment Logistics
The time required in the clinic for pre-treatment examination, injection, and monitoring is around three hours, with the injections themselves taking less than five minutes. Some patients report a warm sensation following the injection and mild drowsiness for several days. Others experience increased energy. While some may not notice immediate effects, they report clinical benefits later on.
The treatment is designed as a single intervention, and each case is evaluated for future treatment needs individually. Goals must be established regarding desired treatment outcomes, and if these are not met, follow-up treatments may be necessary. The cost of treatment is currently €5,500, with follow-up treatments available for patients treated in 2005 at a reduced rate of €1,000.
The Treatment Outcomes
In some cases, patients with progressive MS have returned to normal function and maintain these benefits beyond the initial treatment period without requiring boosters.
ACT has developed a ranking scale based on patients' self-reported benefits that are important to their daily lives:
- Level 1: A significant or life-changing benefit (e.g., bladder control, sexual function, hand function).
- Level 2: Multiple benefits that meet the patient’s specific goals.
- Level 3: An overall response exceeding the expectations of both the patient and conventional medical practitioners.
Jan Wilks experienced significant results very quickly, which is not uncommon...
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