Stem cells and the future of MS research
Open Door - November 2006 page 4
In September 2006, the MS Trust hosted a prestigious event at the Royal Society in London. Before a capacity audience and beneath portraits of Newton, Rutherford and other eminent names from the Society's past, leading figures in MS in the UK discussed future themes of research and the potential role of stem cell therapies.
Profs Compston, Scolding and Thompson taking questions from the floor
MS research - areas for progress
Professor Alastair Compston set the scene with a thorough yet accessible review of the development of MS research from the mid nineteenth century onwards. Increased understanding of the mechanism of the disease, the genetic factors and the infections that might trigger MS gives researchers clues as to areas in which to focus research.
Knowledge of the processes involved in inflammation, which causes damages to nerves, has led to new drugs such as Campath and Tysabri which are more targeted to specific parts of the immune system than existing drugs. Research into genetic aspects will soon be helped by the publication of the map of the human genome, which will give researchers a clearer idea of genes that may contribute to the susceptibility to MS. In the field of environmental factors, changes in the characteristics of MS experienced in different areas of the world is helping to suggest possible infections, such as the Epstein Barr virus, which may be significant.
Stem cells
Stem cell research offers the potential for exciting developments in many areas of medicine, including in the treatment of MS. However, it is not an area without problems. Professor Neil Scolding discussed the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cell research and the medical hurdles that need to be overcome in producing safe and reliable treatments from adult stem cells.
Naturally occurring stem cells are part of the body's self repair mechanism and have the ability to migrate to the areas where they are needed. They already have some therapeutic use in heart conditions and Professor Scolding outlined the possibilities of treatments across a range of conditions once it is possible to control the development of cells into appropriate tissue types.
The London meeting took place days after the BBC's Newsnight programme had reported that some of the stem cells used in Rotterdam came from sources not intended for use in humans. Professor Scolding discussed the problems associated with press coverage of unproven treatments and recommended people explore the issues behind the headlines before seeking treatment - gathering what evidence is available, reading the small print from providers of treatment, using blogging websites or online communities to try to find out how well people are doing once the initial glare of publicity has died down. Whilst not discussing specific clinics, he questioned the motivation of companies that would treat people with stem cells with no consultation with their GP or neurologist and would offer no follow up treatment or monitoring. The fact that large sums are charged for these treatments he felt was exploitative.
Stem cell news
On 2 October 2006, the Netherlands Health Care Inspectorate ordered the PMC clinic in Rotterdam to stop performing stem cells treatments. The move followed the case of a patient who was admitted to a Rotterdam hospital with serious acute allergic reaction following stem cell treatment at the clinic. The clinic had also been unable to present any documentation to the Inspectorate concerning the origin and the safety of the products it used.
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