Well this is the latest from here in Alberta...personally I think it's kind of a foolish way to spend the money...like 6million dollars. There are so many people around the world doing these studies, why does everyone have to do a study? I can't imagine the U.S. having any different results as Canada has with the same procedure. Maybe it's just me but it seems more like a way to get votes...personally I think the money could be saved until the results from U.S. or other countries come in and then use it to actually help MS sufferers!! Just my opinion!
Alberta government will fund MS liberation treatment trials
The Alberta government said Thursday it will fund a study on controversial "liberation treatment" for multiple sclerosis.
"In my discussions with MS patients and advocates, researchers, neurologists and other medical experts, we agreed that an observational study would be very helpful," provincial Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky said in a news release.
The treatment involves opening up a blocked vein through a stent inserted in the patient's neck, and is based on the theory that the blockage contributes to MS.
Pioneered in Italy, it has led to stories of major improvements from patients, but has been derided by experts as a placebo.
"Our government is committed to help build the body of evidence that will provide a clear indication, one way or the other, about the safety and effectiveness of this new treatment," Zwozdesky said. "This study is an important step in that process." The Saskatchewan government in October announced a $5-million commitment toward funding clinical trials for the treatment, making it the first province to initiate such research. Newfoundland has undertaken its own observational study of the treatment. Ottawa is helping to fund seven research projects related to liberation therapy.
However, last month, federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq cautioned Canadians against travelling abroad for the treatment in the wake of the death of Mahir Mostic, an Ontario man who underwent the procedure in Costa Rica and died after blood clots subsequently formed around the stent in his neck.
His friends say he couldn't find a doctor willing to treat him in Canada so he went back to Costa Rica in October and died there soon after he was given clot-dissolving medication that may have triggered internal bleeding.
Hugs,
Rena