A new clinical trial has recently been launched which assesses the use of autologous haematopoietic stem cells, like those found in umbilical cord blood, can be used to treat multiple sclerosis [MS]
This latest trial aims to combine a haematopoietic stem cell transplant with dose immunosuppressive therapy [a class of drugs used to reduce the strength of the immune system] and decreased intensity beam conditioning chemotherapy [a high dose chemotherapy treatment].
The study was performed on 99 patients that had been diagnosed with MS. The trial was used on two different types of MS; relapsing remitting MS, secondary progressive MS, primary progressive MS and progressive relapsing MS.
The results of this clinical trial proved to be successful with 98% of the patients demonstrating neurological stability six months after the transplantation.
These results show great potential and encouragement for the use of stem cells to help treat this condition.
For more information on how to store your umbilical cord stem cells as well as other diseases that can presently be treated with UCB simply visit: Cord blood and cord tissue cell banking.
For further information on this fascinating new trial read www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
