Could Stem Cell Transplants Play a Critical Role in MS and Other Auto-Immune Diseases?

Dr Richard K. Burt,  a world leading pioneer who performed America’s first hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) to treat multiple sclerosis, discusses how he developed this innovative procedure and its future in the treatment of MS.

While the treatment is only suitable for certain MS patients it can be life changing. The US’s National MS Society says there is growing evidence that HSCT may be highly effective for people with relapsing remitting MS who meet very specific characteristics. The society adds it can greatly reduce and potentially even end MS disease activity in some.

But the treatment is not without its risks and patients have died.

However, as Richard argues in this podcast and his recently published book: Everyday Miracles Curing Multiple Sclerosis, Scleroderma, and Autoimmune Diseases by Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant not all types of stem cell transplantation are the same and that it’s vital that both doctors and patients understand the different approaches. That's because the type of stem cell technique used can affect the risks and effectiveness of the treatment for both MS and other forms of auto-immune disease.

And an effective treatment for MS is desperately needed. Currently researchers are also looking at the use of high level vitamin D in the treatment of the disease. While current drugs known as disease modifying therapies may slow the progress of the disease, they cannot stop it.

Dr Richard K. Burt is a Fulbright Scholar, Professor of Medicine at Scripps, a tenured retired Professor at North Western and CEO of Genani Biotechnology. In addition to performing America’s first hematopoietic stem cell transplant  for MS, he also carried out the first procedures in the US for a number of other auto-immune disease too. He was recognised by Scientific American as one of the Top 50 individuals for improving humanity and outstanding leadership.

His book: Everyday Miracles Curing  Multiple Sclerosis, Scleroderma, and Autoimmune Diseases by Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant is published by Forefront Books.

The host of the podcast, Liz Tucker is an award winning medical journalist and former BBC producer and director.  You can follow Liz on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lizctucker and read her Substack newsletter about the podcast at https://liztucker.substack.com

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