Shimona Kanwar, TNN Feb 11, 2014, 02.07PM IST

CHANDIGARH: A substantial number of stem cell shots from the bone marrow might treat an irreversible neurodegenerative disease. And, this hope is being offered by PGI, as none of the centres elsewhere have started clinical trials for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The first phase of the stem cell trial for the neurodegenerative disease started at PGI three years ago.

Ten ALS patients received one shot of the stem cell. After a follow-up, it was found they could not be relieved. But a study has revealed that the condition of the patients did not deterioratea??one of the features of ALS is that it progresses to disability. This provided a premise for the neurology department of the institute to carry forward with the second phase of the stem cell trial.

"Now, we have increased the sample to 30 patients who have received two shots of the stem cells in a year. We are following them up. Most of them have shown no progress in deterioration, while a few have shown unexceptional results," said Dr S Prabhakar, head of the department and the main investigator of the study.

It was felt that with just one shot of autologous stem cells (cells derived from the patient's own bone marrow) the degeneration could not be repaired. The early symptoms of the disease were muscle weakness or stiffness, which later progressed to paralysis of the muscles that control functions such as speech and swallowing among others.

"There are patients who are unable to hold a pen, speak or walk without assistance. We can only switch them to some mechanical or life supporters. But stem cell is the only therapy which may treat the disease which disables a person," said Dr Prabhakar.

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PGI offers ray of hope for ALS patients - Times Of India