Can you please tell us a bit about yourself and your work?
I am a neurologist working at the Multiple Sclerosis Centre at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain. I trained in Barcelona and San Francisco, California, and my focus has always been on MS. At the MS Centre we are trying to understand the pathogenesis of MS, including undertaking biological studies to understand the disease and hope to use this information to find biomarkers and MS therapies.

Do many of your patients ask you about stem cell research and MS?
More than 30 percent of my patients ask about stem cell therapy, especially those with a high level of disability. More people ask now than they used to due to stories in the press of people having therapy, but there has always been an interest. Many people see stem cells as a way to renew their body – a bit like doing up a house – and are interested, even if they normally do not like the idea of taking drugs.

What questions do they ask?
The main question they ask is: “What about stem cell therapy for me?”, but many are not aware of the scientific complexity of this subject. They have often read or heard about someone else having success with it and want it for themselves. They are not usually concerned about safety or how much it will cost but would probably have many more questions if the therapy was possible for them!

What types of information do you have to explain?
I usually explain and summarise the current state of research into stem cell therapy and MS and explain that the issues are more complex in neurological diseases than other types of disease. I also often have to point out that some of the centres where stem cell therapy has been done are not scientific, often very expensive and have serious safety concerns. But it can be frustrating for patients who feel they have no options, so we often also talk about other current treatments that are working and may be more suitable.

What are the main concerns your patients have?
The main concern is whether they can have access to the therapy and whether it will help them recover their movement and ability, not just stop the progression of MS. Many hope it will give them their old bodies back. Some people also have concerns about the source of the cells.

Which other sources of information have they used?
Mostly news stories on television and in papers, as well as websites and speaking to other people with MS.

Do you suggest any sources to people who ask you about stem cell research?
I always suggest people contact their national MS society because they will have user-friendly information and be given neutral, unbiased opinions about all therapy options. I also specifically refer them to MSIF’s website for more information: www.msif.org.