Albertans watch multiple sclerosis trials with excitement, caution

Albertans with multiple sclerosis are keeping a close eye on a promising new treatment after Canadian research published in the U.K. medical journal TheLancet, suggests a high-risk medical therapy may stop the progression of the disease.

The trial, involving 24 patients over 13 years, used chemotherapy and stem cell transplants to reset a person's immune system.

Doctors found the therapy stopped relapses and the development of new brain lesions without medication.

And some patients even improved, in some cases regaining mobility or vision.

Darrel Gregory with the Calgary chapter of the MS Society says it's an important breakthrough, especially in a province with one of the highest rates of MS in the country.

"It provides hope for people who have really aggressive forms of MS and I think is a return, has the promise of a return of quality of life that these individuals have not had for a while," Gregory said.

"And that is very hopeful for us and for people with multiple sclerosis."

Experts warn the treatment is risky.

One of the 24 patients enrolled in the trial died of liver failure.

Still, there is a lot of interest in the research.

'Oh my god, my life is over'

Kim Wilson was diagnosed with MS when she was just 27.

"I thought, 'Oh my god, my life is over,'" Wilson explained.

She's been watching the clinical trial closely and is thrilled to hear the results.

"Just the fact that it would mean we could live without medication, without relapse. It's like a new beginning," she said.

"It's almost like starting the clock over for us, you know? It's exciting stuff."

Gregory cautions it's not for people with advanced forms of MS.

"As good as this story is, not everyone will qualify," he said.

"It's only for people with an aggressive form of relapsing MS."

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