‘Putting something back’ links determined people behind newest HSCT charity

It was almost two years ago that Ian Franks brought you the welcome news that AIMS was a new HSCT charity. Today, he looks further and finds a young but efficient organisation united by a desire to 'put something back'.

If HSCT is so safe, why haven’t I had it?

HSCT (Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) is an effective therapy to fight multiple sclerosis,  the level of side effects is acceptable, and the therapy is safe, Ian Franks believes. Now, he answers the question why he has not undergone HSCT himself,

Paul pays tribute to dedication of staff as he prepares to leave Moscow HSCT centre

Although I have taken a break from writing during August, I just had to catch up with Paul Morrison who, earlier this month, travelled to Moscow to undergo HSCT for multiple sclerosis. The exact type of the disease is a matter of opinion, his neurologist says Paul has SPMS, but tests in Moscow indicate a …

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Paul’s Moscow HSCT for MS journey begins

I had planned to take a break from writing this month, August being a slow news month that is well known among journalists as the silly season. That's when minor stories are given major coverage, because of a shortage of stories of real substance. However, I could not let Monday August 6 go unmarked. Why? …

#paulsfighttowalk : Support sought for HSCT in Moscow

Former Londoner Paul Morrison is seeking support to travel to Moscow to receive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in August. These days Paul (46) and his family live a stone’s throw from my home in southern Spain. He shares my challenge of living with multiple sclerosis. His dad, Phil, has set up a GoFundMe account, …

Russian Physician’s Guide to HSCT in Moscow

There’s good news for anyone with multiple sclerosis who is considering undergoing HSCT, especially if that involves being treated in Russia. And that’s because Denis Fedorenko, MD, who is in charge of the stem cell transplant program for MS patients, has put together a comprehensive guide to the whole procedure at the A.A. Maximov Department …

Phoebe’s HSCT Story: Back home (Last in a Series)

Phoebe Scopes was the first international patient to receive Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) therapy for multiple sclerosis in Moscow. In this fourth, and last, part of her story, we join Phoebe on her return home to the London. Ian: What is your post-HSCT MS state from getting home until today? Phoebe: Back home, four …

Phoebe Scopes, British HSCT Pioneer in Moscow, Part 2

Last week, I introduced you to Phoebe Scopes, the very first MS patient from another country to undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in Moscow. Today, in Part 2,  we pick up the story of the 46-year-old who lives in London. Ian: So, you had done lots of research. How did things then develop? Phoebe: By late …

Meet Phoebe Scopes, First MS Patient from Abroad to Undergo HSCT in Moscow

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, or HSCT for short, is provided at various centers around the world to a mix of people with multiple sclerosis. As regular readers know, two months ago I visited the impressive facilities of the A.A. Maximov Department of Hematology and Cellular Therapy, at the National Pirogov Medical Surgical Center in Moscow. …

HSCT in Moscow, Day by Day

Doesn’t time fly? It seems only yesterday that I was preparing to go to Moscow, yet tomorrow will be three weeks since my return. (Note: Now four weeks). I have written enough about my experiences at the AA Maximov center so, today, we’ll take a look at how HSCT progresses, step by step. The following is …