Walk Again

Scientists from the Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital have chalked out a new technique to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) that has enabled patients to walk again. The technique involves ‘rebooting’ a patients’ immune system to a time prior to MS.

As part of a clinical trial, scientists used stem cells to carry out bone marrow transplants in 20 patients. The method known as autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) works by using chemotherapy to destroy the area of the immune system which causes MS. After the trial, some patients were actually able to walk.

A notable case during the trial involved patient Holly Drewry who began using a wheelchair after giving birth to her daughter, Isla. Drewry was able to walk out of the hospital after the treatment and traces of active MS in her body have disappeared thereafter.