Breakthrough for MS patients

Our multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have benefited from breakthrough research and investment in new facilities.

Clinical trials at the Trust showed that a daily pill named Fingolimod, halved the number of disabling relapses in MS patients and slowed the progression of the disease.

Charing Cross Hospital was one of four centres in the country to take part in the research, which was part of the largest clinical trial programme ever conducted into MS.

“This treatment is a major breakthrough for MS sufferers and has the potential to change people’s lives,” said consultant neurologist Dr Richard Nicholas.

“One of the biggest fears with MS is that a relapse can happen at any time and cause irreversible disability. A daily pill which reduces relapses by half gives people with MS more confidence to plan for the future. It is also more convenient and acceptable than the current standard treatment of injections, which can be painful. Fingolimod offers real hope to MS patients.”

Dr Nicholas added: “This trial is a fantastic example of the benefits of our being an academic health science centre. The Trust worked in partnership with Imperial College London and a major pharmaceutical company to translate research into a breakthrough treatment for not only our patients, but MS sufferers across the world.”

MS patient Elizabeth Kinder, who is a writer and producer, said she felt extremely lucky to have taken part in the trial.

“I’ve only had two relapses since entering the trial in September 2007 so I really believe the pill is helping to keep my MS at bay,” said Elizabeth.

“Participating in research made me feel like I was taking control of my illness rather than it taking control of me. It felt like a really positive thing to do, not just because it might benefit my health but also because it would increase understanding of a disease about which relatively little is known.”

Elizabeth added: “The care I receive from the MS team is brilliant. It is hugely reassuring to be treated by such dedicated professionals.”

MS patients are also benefiting from a refurbished neuro-infusion suite. This facility can now accommodate up to 23 patients a day who receive intravenous treatment for their MS.

MS nurse Caroline D’Arcy said: “We wanted to create a unit which didn’t feel like a hospital so treatment is less intimidating.

“The design allows patients to talk to each other in comfort, so they can share experiences. It provides a support network for patients.”     

Kaz Aston is treated in the suite once a month with Tysabri – a new generation of MS drug. Charing Cross Hospital treats more patients with Tysabri than any other trust in the country and has the second largest number of Tysabri patients in Europe.