Latest Research

Australian MS Researchers show interest in new CCSVI Treatment:

MS Australia and MS Research Australia (MSRA) are very aware of the reports from Italy and Canada regarding the vein disorder Dr Zamboni has called Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency or CCSVI. We are naturally interested in any diagnosis or treatment that may hold promise for people with MS. We are also aware that researchers in Australia are in active dialogue with the Italian research group. 

MSRA understands that the diagnosis of CCSVI involves the identification of insufficient ‘draining’ of blood from the brain and spinal cord in certain patients and that the residual iron deposits may cause inflammation. The impressive evidence of improvement in many cases following the successful suppression of inflammation suggests that the postulated mechanism underlying CCSVI may operate in only a percentage of cases. So, while there may be a link to MS including Primary Progressive MS, researchers must still prove that CCSVI operates in more than just these cases.

Acknowledging the positive outcomes for the limited number of patients in Italy treated so far, researchers in Western Australia are looking at ways that Australian data can be added to the trials that are underway in Italy and possibly soon in Canada.

MSRA will monitor this approach as it develops and post further notices as information is made available.

Recent reports regarding stem cell treatment:

MS Australia response

Media outlets in a few states and territories over the past few days have reported on a Canberra teenager with multiple sclerosis (MS), who has shown positive signs of improvement after receiving stem cell treatment. Ben is 19 years old and was diagnosed with the disease in 2008.

While this is great news for the young man involved, there is no clinical evidence to lead us to endorse this treatment as being useful in all cases. While it has the potential to be a promising area, much more research is needed to be done.

Professor Bill Carroll, MS Research Australia’s Scientific Chairman says "With changes in the way bone marrow stem cell transplants are performed nowadays the risk of death from this treatment has fallen. When this is combined with transplantation at a relatively early stage of aggressive disease the risk-benefit relationship has been improved considerably."

"At present this is not a treatment option to be considered for all people with MS. There is an increasing amount of research interest worldwide in this form of treatment".

People with MS are encouraged to always seek the advice directly from their treating neurologist about their own disease.

Click here to download the Stem cell therapies in MS booklet (PDF 3.7MB)

MS Research Australia:

MS Research Australia (MSRA) has celebrated its 4th Birthday and can demonstrate positive benefit to MS research efforts in Australia. Their successful fundraising, including donations from each of the State MS Societies have seen them support a range of individual projects in 6 major program areas.

The MS Society of WA has supported the national research efforts for many years but significantly increased their donations in 2007/08 and again this year with an injection of $200,000. Current MSRA funded research projects include:

1. The Ausimmune Study Identifying the link between Vitamin D and MS. This multi-centred study is one of the world’s leading programs looking into the environmental exposures influencing the onset & progression of MS.

2. The ANZgene project Collecting thousands of DNA samples, leading to better treatments. Genetics research will isolate genes that may lead to greater understanding of MS susceptibility, and perhaps develop new treatments. The teams are looking at how genes influence the course of MS. Over 2,800 DNA samples have been collected from people around Australia and 1,500 from NZ.

3. The MSRA Brain Bank Providing human MS tissue for vital MS research. Launched earlier this year there have now been more than 200 people nationally who have pledged their brains for future MS research.

More information at www.msbrainbank.org.au or ring 1300 672 265

4. The MS Longitudinal Study Looking at how MS affects people’s lives. This study has been running for over 6 years and now involves nearly 3,000 people with MS from around Australia. The study examines the changes in the elements that contribute to an individual’s quality of life, their financial position & adherence to appropriate therapies. Several of the reports already produced have been used to influence Government policy & decision making. The project is ongoing adding valuable insight into living with MS.

5. The MS Clinical Trial Network This network is designed to keep neurologists linked to important studies that test new and improved ways to prevent, diagnose & treat MS, and provide People with MS  online access to the latest information about clinical trial and research activity and clinical trials recruiting People with MS in Australia and New Zealand. Visit the website for more information: www.mstrials.org.au

MS Research Australia is also increasing their support of quality “applied” research projects which investigate and evaluate interventions designed to enhance quality for life for people living with MS.

Recently Professor Tanya Packer and Setareh Gharari, PhD student, of Curtin University of Technology in WA, were funded to conduct a “head to head” comparison of the face-to-face fatigue management course and the newly created e-learning computer based program.

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