Can you imagine being able to create new myelin with my own stem cells? What if my immune system could be reset? It all seems so easy. A patient takes a medication to increase their stem cells which are then harvested, the immune system is erased and finally the stem cells are returned to create a whole new immune system – a reboot let’s say. Stems cells can also be harvested and multiplied in a lab to be injected into the patient. MRI and OCT are used to determine the extent of tissue repair. Patients claim energy and endurance increases. Retrieving stem cells causes pain so research continues to determine more effective methods as well as the longevity of success before another treatment is required.

Clinical trials are stilling going with promising results. It seems almost too good to be true.

If you are interested in participating in a study contact Dzemila Spahovic, M.D. at dspahovic@northwestern.edu. Please note that I am only passing along information and not in anyway recommending participation of others in any clinical trial.

To read more about stem cell research read “The Future of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment” by Dorothy Foltz-Gray at: http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/multiple_sclerosis/articles/the_future_of_multiple_sclerosis_treatment.aspx and visit the Division of Immunotherapy and Autoimmune Diseases (DIAD) at: http://www.stemcell-immunotherapy.com. Image from: www.partnersinresearch.org.