2024-04-25 20:21:54
A first patient was able to receive an autologous bone marrow transplant in Quebec, therefore from her own body, to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The treatment was offered at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval (CHU), which also made the announcement on Thursday in a press release, six months after the intervention with the patient. The University Hospital is therefore able to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment.
In the past, patients had to travel to Ontario to obtain such a transplant.
The treatment consists of removing a portion of the stem cells from the bone marrow before reinjecting them, following high-dose chemotherapy treatments, to allow a reset of the immune system.
“Glimmer of hope”
According to the CHU, this progress in Quebec is the result of the concerted efforts of the hematology and neurology departments. Doctors Christopher Lemieux, hemato-oncologist, and Francis Brunet, neurologist, both played an important role.
“Together, my neurologist and hematologist colleagues and I have charted a path to progress, offering MS patients a glimmer of hope,” said Dr. Christopher Lemieux.
“This synergy between hematology and neurology at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval gave birth to an innovative protocol, thus opening the doors to a truly transformative treatment, forged by our commitment to innovation and the well-being of patients,” said he added.
The treatment is intended for patients with a severe form of MS who do not respond to standard treatments. In Quebec, approximately 20,000 people live with MS.
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