A recent story from The Independent is touting the results of a clinical trial that tested stem cells transplants for multiple sclerosis. The transplant appears to help “reset” the patient’s immune system, which stops the progression of the condition.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the myelin sheath, an insulating, protective covering around nerve cells, is damaged. Without an intact myelin sheath, the ability of neurons to communicate is dramatically affected. This can affect a patient’s mental state, vision, coordination, and walking ability. Many people also have problems with speech and swallowing and may experience muscle spasm and weakness. The cause of multiple sclerosis is not entirely clear, but it has been established that the immune system is involved and is responsible for attacking the myelin sheath. To learn more about multiple sclerosis, click here.

In the study, scientists used bouts of chemotherapy to wear down and suppress the immune system of the patients; then, the immune system was brought back to full strength using stem cell therapy. In early results, this has led to the complete cessation of disease progression and has also significantly improved symptoms. The initial trial involved 100 patients that had the relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis, which is the most common type.

There are already treatments available for MS that are able to delay relapse episodes and prolong remission, but not all patients respond strongly to them. This can soon to lead to debilitating symptoms that majorly affect a patient’s daily life. In the study, all patients were treated with chemotherapy to flush out their immune systems, then half were prescribed a standard drug treatment while the other half received the stem cell transplant. Only one person who received stem cells experienced relapse; meanwhile, 39 people who received the standard drug did.

Additionally, after a three year check up, the stem cell transplant failed for only three patients. Louise Willett, who was one of the patients that participated in the trial, says that her life has more or less returned to the way it was before she received her diagnosis. Ultimately, the results so far have been some of the most impressive for an MS treatment in a long time. While the transplant is still a risky option, it is clearly a treatment method that should be pursued further.

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