Stem Cell Therapy May Help Treat Multiple Sclerosis

Published

1 year ago

September 29, 2023

admin

Share on Pinterest SDI Productions/Getty ImagesA stem cell treatment commonly used for blood cancer appears effective in treating one form of MSThe treatment has been available since the 1990s but questions about safety and difficulty have limited its impactNew research suggests it is safer and would benefit more people with MS than previously believed.

A stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) appears to be generally safe and effective, but it isnt widely utilized. Researchers in Sweden are trying to get the word out.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a devastating illness that has proven difficult to treat and impossible to cure. But for some MS patients there may be an option available that has been waiting in the wings for decades.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is primarily used to treat cancers of the blood, but has been used in the treatment of MS since the 1990s.

However, questions about its safety and the difficult nature of the procedure have prevented it from becoming a standard part of MS care.

In an article published this week in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, researchers in Sweden found that aHSCT is a suitable treatment for a form of MS known as relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Because aHSCT has been studied predominantly in clinical settings, they wanted to see how the procedure worked in actual patients in traditional healthcare settings. They conclude that the treatment is not only safer and more effective than previously believed but that the procedure could potentially impact even more people living with MS.

Our findings suggest that aHSCT could benefit a greater number of MS patients and it should be included as a standard of care for highly active MS. AHSCT has been viewed as a high-risk procedure in the past, but our findings challenge this view and we conclude that the procedure can be performed safely in experienced hands, Dr. Joachim Burman, a member of the Department of Medical Sciences at Uppsala University in Sweden, and co-author of the research, told Healthline. Effects on real MS patients

To investigate, Burman and his team pulled data from the Swedish MS registry and the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation registry to find patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who had been treated with aHSCT.

They initially identified 231 patients and the final analysis included 174 that met all of their criteria. This criteria included that they had to have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and not another form of MS and had to have received their aHSCT treatment prior to 2020. Patients had a median follow-up time of 5.5 years.

The primary outcomes that the researchers were looking at were safety, as indicated by the occurrence of adverse events like infection or death; and disease progression.

The study showed no evidence of disease progression in 73% of patients after 5 years and 65% after 10 years. Of the 149 patients that had some form of disability at the beginning of the observation period, 54% showed improvement, 37% were stable, and only 9% showed worsening symptoms.

This really is confirmatory because this study is quite consistent with many previous studies that have shown that aHSCT therapy can be beneficial for some people living with MS, Bruce Bebo, Executive Vice President of Research at the National MS Society, told Healthline. Costs and benefits

Patients did experience adverse events during the observation period.

The most common was febrile neutropenia (low white blood cell count accompanied by fever) which occurred in almost 70% of patients, and low potassium or hypokalemia. Five patients required intensive care within 100 days of treatment.

One death was reported but no treatment-related deaths were reported.

Adverse events were found to be manageable within traditional healthcare environments.

This procedure has been perceived as a high-risk procedure, but as we have shown it can be performed quite safely, said Burman.

Despite his findings though, aHSCT is still a serious procedure.

In MS, the immune system attacks part of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves; specifically, it damages the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that acts as insulation around nerves, and ultimately causes disability.

The goal of aHSCT is to reset the immune system and prevent it from further damaging the nervous system. The entire process requires blood stem cells to be collected from the patient and then frozen. The patient then undergoes chemotherapy to suppress the immune system. In this immunosuppressed state, the previously collected blood cells are then altered and reintroduced to the body.

The process involves weeks in the hospital, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressive medication that lower the bodys natural ability to fight off infection.

Chemotherapy is used to ablate the bone marrow, and then the marrow is reconstituted with stem cells. This involves a 3-4 week stay in hospital, and patients are vulnerable to infection while the marrow is repopulating. Historically there is about a 2% mortality rate with AHSCT, but there is more experience with the chemo regimens now and no deaths were seen in the trial, said Dr. Christopher Lock, Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, and Clinical Trials Director for Multiple Sclerosis at Stanford University.

Its not a trivial treatment, said Bebo, While the protocols and techniques and drugs and things used over the last 10 or 20 years have been refined and the safety has been improved dramatically, it still comes with significant risks and side effects and needs to be considered carefully by anybody who is thinking about this. Who should consider aHSCT

The National MS Society Guidelines recommend aHSCT for individuals who:Have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosisAre less than 50 years oldHave had MS for less than 10 yearsAre not responding to typical disease-modifying therapy

For some, the risk will likely be worth it. Nearly one million people live with MS in the United States and the disease affects three times as many women as men. It is the leading cause of permanent neurological disability in young adults. MS is also notoriously hard to diagnose. There are multiple forms of it as well. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is the predominant form of MS, and is characterized by bouts or flare ups that can cause vision problems, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, fatigue, and more. These attacks clear up over time and are generally followed by a remission period. Flare-ups inevitably follow, and with each one the potential for worsening of symptoms.

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is sometimes followed by another form of MS called secondary progressive MS (SPMS). This type of MS is characterized by its progressive nature, meaning that neurologic function worsens and disability increases over time.

AHSCT treatment is only for individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and not other forms.

We would generally reserve [aHSCT] for patients with aggressive forms of relapsing MS, and who are refractory to or have failed first- and second-line therapies. There are currently over 20 disease modifying drugs approved for MS, and we would try these first, said Lock.

Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are generally the first line of treatment for people with MS. DMTs help to prevent permanent damage to the central nervous system, control flare-ups, and improve every day symptoms.

But Burman believes that his work should help to inform more doctors about the procedure and help to open the door to more individuals with MS looking for an effective treatment.

About 5-10% of MS patients have an aggressive disease with rapidly evolving disability. These patients should all be candidates for aHSCT. Some patients (maybe 20%) have very mild disease and should opt for regular treatment. There is a large middle group, which previously has not been considered for aHSCT, but I think that aHSCT could at least be considered in these cases, he said. The bottom line

Autlogous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is effective and generally safe for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

New research contends that the procedure is safe and effective enough that it be included as part of the standard of care for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

AHSCT is still a serious procedure that requires hospitalization and immunosuppressant drugs. It is only recommended for certain individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

World

Pope Francis has ‘initial, mild’ kidney problem and still in critical condition, says Vatican

Published

6 hours ago

February 23, 2025

admin

Pope Francis has 'initial, mild' kidney problem and still in critical condition, says Vatican

The Pope remains in a critical condition and is now showing an “initial, mild” kidney problem – but is “vigilant” and took part in Mass in hospital with those caring for him.

The Vatican statement said Francis hadn’t had any more “respiratory crises” since Saturday evening.

However, a problem with his kidneys has emerged, with blood tests showing “an initial, mild, renal insufficiency, which is currently under control”, according to the update.

The 88-year-old Pope is still having “high-flow oxygen therapy” into his nose, while his hemoglobin value has increased after being given blood transfusions on Saturday.

The Pope has been at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since 14 February and is being treated for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

Sunday evening’s statement said he was “vigilant and well oriented”, but due to the complexity of his case the prognosis is “reserved”.

“During the morning, in the apartment set up on the 10th floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who are taking care of him during these days of hospitalization,” the update added.

On Sunday morning, the Vatican said the Pope had a “tranquil” night and confirmed he would not lead prayers for the second week running.

Instead, Francis, who has been Pope since 2013, prepared words to be read on his behalf at the recitation of the Angelus.

‘I ask you to pray for me’

The Pope’s message said: “I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!

“I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.

“In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children.

“Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.”

The message is understood to have been written in the last few days.

On Saturday night, the Vatican said the Pope was in a critical condition after a “prolonged respiratory crisis” that required a high flow of oxygen.

It said he’d had blood transfusions after tests revealed thrombocytopenia, which is associated with anaemia.

Millions around the world have been concerned about his increasingly frail health – and his condition has given rise to speculation over a possible resignation.

Faith is never lost but it feels optimism is fading

By Lisa Holland, Sky correspondent in Vatican City

It’s hard to imagine a Sunday in the Vatican City without the Pope. Every week – unless he’s travelling – he is a constant, appearing at the same Vatican windows to deliver his message.

Instead, his written words were distributed by Vatican officials. In his message, the Pope thanked his doctors and people around the world for their good wishes.

But it seems the upbeat message was written before the dramatic downturn in the Pope’s health, which has left him in a critical condition. The business and the events of the Church are continuing in his absence.

Faith is never lost but it feels like optimism is fading and we are living through the last days of Pope Francis.

In St Peter’s Square the sun shone – and a gentle light fell on the ancient stone of the basilica.
The beauty and pageantry of columns of deacons and visitors filing in for a special mass as part of the Catholic Church’s jubilee year sat awkwardly with the prognosis of the Pope’s ailing health.

The visitors and deacons who’d come from around the world to take part, and hoped to see the Pope, were left disappointed. Though they said they felt his presence. “It is what it is,” said one.

They know the Pope is an 88-year-old man who has spent the last few years assisted by a wheelchair and walking stick. Throughout his life he has been dogged by lung issues.

It leaves an almost philosophical mood ahead of what the coming days may bring.

Doctors said on Friday that he was “not out of danger” and was expected to remain in hospital for at least another week.

They also warned that while he did not have sepsis, there was always a risk the infection could spread in his body.

Sepsis is a complication of an infection that can lead to organ failure and death.

Pope Francis has a history of respiratory illness, having lost part of one of his lungs to pleurisy as a young man. He also had an acute case of pneumonia in 2023.

Environment

Volvo Penta set to show off its new BESS subsystem at bauma 2025

Published

8 hours ago

February 23, 2025

admin

Volvo Penta set to show off its new BESS subsystem at bauma 2025

Volvo Penta BESS subsystem to be Bauma highlight

Volvo Penta will debut its latest modular and scalable battery energy storage system (BESS) platform for the off-grid construction and mining industries at the bauma equipment show – here’s what you can expect.

Best-known for its marine engines and gensets, Volvo Penta is the power production arm of the Volvo Group, specializing in putting energy to work. Operating under the tagline, ‘Made to Move You’, Volvo Penta is headed to bauma 2025 with a plan to keep construction, port shipping, and mining operations moving productively and competitively throughout their transitions to battery and (in theory, at least) hydrogen power.

To that end, the company will show off a job site ready version of the scalable and modular BESS subsystem concept shown last year.

Volvo says its new, modular BESS subsystem will enable other OEMs and third party system integrators to seamlessly deploy electric power to meet the ever-exceeding energy needs in construction and mining.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

“Our modular and scalable battery-electric platform is designed to support the electrification ecosystem—combining high-performance drivelines with the crucial energy storage subsystems for efficient charging and operation in construction and mining,” says Hannes Norrgren, President of Volvo Penta Industrial. “We want to meaningfully collaborate with our customers on value-added customization that will enable them to stay productive, efficient, and future-ready.”

The Penta substation at bauma will be built around the company’s “Cube” battery pack, an energy-dense solution with a favorable C-rate designed to make it easy for BESS manufacturers to offer more compact job site solutions capable of charging and discharging energy with high levels of speed and efficiency, enabling both stationary and mobile BESS configurations that can change and grow to meet the evolving needs of a given asset fleet or project.

A Volvo Penta-developed DC/DC unit converts the voltage from the Cube battery packs (600 V) into lower voltage (24 V) for powering auxiliaries and portable offices.

Electrek’s Take

BESS concept packed with Penta Cube batteries; via Volvo.

Volvo Penta has always provided power. Historically that’s been from combustion, but the company is looking ahead, developing products that will bring energy to job sites, tractors, and more long after the last ICE engine shuts down.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Volvo Penta.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

World

Exit poll may appear decisive – but path to coalition is not clear yet

Published

8 hours ago

February 23, 2025

admin

Exit poll may appear decisive - but path to coalition is not clear yet

Initial exit polls appear to confirm what we have known for weeks: that the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) have got the most votes in the federal election, with Friedrich Merz most likely to be the next chancellor.

While this result isn’t a surprise, it doesn’t mean the path to power will be easy.

First off, the CDU-CSU don’t have a majority so they need to try to build a coalition.

Their most obvious choices as partners are the third-place Social Democrats. A two-party coalition is preferred as it can avoid excess bickering but the SPD and CDU disagree on several key points including sending long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Follow live: Germany’s election results

Forming a government can take months but Mr Merz is keen to speed up the process – aware of the pressing issues both at home and abroad.

One of those is the rise of the far right, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party celebrating historic results.

The initial results suggest that for the first time since the Second World War, a far-right party has got the second highest number of votes.

That could also cause serious issues for the next government.

As a result of Germany‘s Nazi history, mainstream parties have a long-running pact known as the “firewall” which says they will not work with the far right.

Even before the polls had closed, AfD leader Alice Weidel echoed Donald Trump and released a video statement urging people to “observe” the ballots being counted and to “protect democracy”.

Many of the AfD’s supporters have said not allowing the second most popular party into government is undemocratic, threatening to take to the streets.

The US vice president JD Vance also sparked outrage when he spoke out against the firewall at the recent Munich Security Conference and suggested the new Trump administration would be ready to work with the AfD.

Conversely, in the run-up to the election, hundreds of thousands of Germans have protested to demand that the firewall remains.

In January, Mr Merz caused controversy when a draft motion got through parliament with AfD support, he’s since vowed he will not go into government with them.

If he sticks to that pledge then he is likely to see right-wing demonstrations as well becoming a target of prominent AfD backers including Elon Musk.

The AfD’s result also cannot be ignored. While some of the vote may be a protest, the party has expanded its traditional base in the east to pick up support in the west.

Dissatisfaction over migration, the economy, rocketing prices and the war in Ukraine have all helped to grow its ranks as people feel ignored by mainstream parties.

Mr Merz has already tried to win back some of its voters by proposing tough migration reforms including permanent checks on the borders and potentially turning away some asylum seekers when they try to enter.

If he fails to deliver on these promises then the AfD will continue to make gains.

Other urgent to dos for the next government include sorting out Germany’s economy following two years of recession and restoring its position at the centre of the EU.

Ministers must also face up to the fact their traditional allies are no longer guaranteed.

The Trump administration appears to be ripping up the rule book when it comes to being a protector of Europe and its ongoing support for Ukraine.

If America steps back, as Europe’s largest power and Ukraine’s largest European backer, Germany will have to step up.

Again, that’s going to be a big challenge as its military needs to be transformed.

The final results are not even confirmed yet but whatever form it takes, the next government knows it has four years to fix Germany, if it fails then populists are highly likely to ride to power in 2029.