A new study is strengthening the evidence that stem cell transplants can be highly effective for some people with multiple sclerosis—sending the disease into remission for years, and sometimes reversing disability.
The procedure involves removingfrom a patient's own blood, then using powerful chemotherapy drugs to knock down the existing immune system. After that, the stored stem cells are infused back into the patient, and the immune system rebuilds itself over time.
They include people who are younger than 50, have had relapsing-remitting MS for fewer than 10 years, and have suffered symptom flares or developed new brain lesions despite being on an optimal MS medication.A stem cell transplant is no simple matter. It requires aThe infection risk is highest in the few days after the procedure."After 10 days or so, you can safely be discharged from the hospital," Burman said,"and after three months you can get back to work.
Burman said no one knows why that happens. One theory is that the chemotherapy reduces inflammation in the brain, leading to a regression in some disabilities.For people who are wondering whether the procedure is right for them, the best place to start is a conversation with your doctor, Bebo said.
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