Scientists have been working for decades to find a solution to the long-lasting disease. And now, it seems a potential remedy has been discovered.

According to a new study, published in The Lancet, a combination treatment of both chemotherapy and stem cell therapy may be the solution to remedy MS. Researchers conducted a clinical trial  over a 7 year period and the results showed a significant reversal of the effects of aggressive relapsing MS in 24 patients.

This  therapy, which is normally reserved for leukemia patients, involves giving patients a medication that forces the stem cells inside their bone marrow to enter the bloodstream. From there, the cells can be harvested, purified, and frozen. Next, the patient’s immune system is completely eradicated with chemo. Then, the patient has their frozen stem cells transplanted back into their bone marrow with the hope of giving them a fresh immune system.

This significant breakthrough was made when doctors begain to look at MS as an autoimmune disease rather than a neurodegenerative one.  As with MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheaths that cover nerve fibers through the central nervous system.

At the end of the trial, 40% of patients experienced a reversal of symptoms, which included loss of vision and balance and muscle weakness. 

Jennifer Molson, a patient who's health deteriorate quickly,  was diagnosed with MS in 1996. But after receiving the innovative treatment in 2002, she has made a nearly complete recovery. Today, she had no trouble walking nor does she need any assisted care!