No benefit to controversial MS treatment, says N.L. study

An observational study of people inNewfoundland and Labrador who hada controversialtreatment for multiple sclerosisfoundthere was no measurable benefit to the Zamboni procedure, according to the neurologist who led the research.

"I cannot recommend this treatment to MS patients," said Dr. William Pryse-Phillips, a neurologist and the lead researcher of the study.

The province launched the study of what is known as the Zamboni procedure,or liberation therapy, nearly two years ago after people from this provincetravelled abroad toundergothe experimental procedure.

It's based on a theory that MS is linked to blocked veins in the neck, and that opening them up helps relieve symptoms of the debilitating disease.

For a year, researchers in Newfoundland followed 30 people who have had the procedure and 10 others, the control group, who have not had the procedure.

Mark Lane, who lives with MS andpaid $4,000to haveprocedure done in Poland almost two years ago,was at the announcement about the study's findings in St. John's on Thursday.

"I'm disappointed by these findings. We all had hope," said Lane, 36, who was not one of the study participants.

"I know it's not a cure, but I still believe, despite this, that there is a link and I'm getting [the procedure] again if I start to deteriorate."

The provincespent more than $400,000for the study after intense lobbying from people with the disease.

The procedure is not covered by Newfoundland and Labrador' publicly funded health insurance plan. Health Minister Susan Sullivan said Thursday that there are no plans to begin funding the procedure.

Less than a month ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administrationissued a warning aboutthe vein procedure for people with multiple sclerosis.

The regulator warned health-care professionals and patients that injuries and death have been associated with use of the procedure for what is known as chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).

Two Canadianshave diedafter having the experimental vein treatment for multiple sclerosis.