Health minister to discuss study of MS treatment

An observational study of people in Newfoundland and Labrador who had a controversial treatment for multiple sclerosis found there was no measurable benefit to the Zamboni procedure, according to the neurologist who led the research.

"I cannot recommend this treatment to MS patients," said Dr. William Pryse-Phillips, a neurologist and the lead researcher of the study.

The province launched the study of what is known as the Zamboni procedure, or liberation therapy, nearly two years ago after people from this province travelled abroad to undergo the experimental procedure.

It's based on a theory that MS is linked to blocked veins in the neck, and that opening them up helps relieve symptoms of the debilitating disease.

Mark Lane, who lives with MS and paid $4,000 to have procedure done in Poland almost two years ago, was at the announcement about the study's findings in St. John's on Thursday.

"I'm disappointed by these findings. We all had hope," Lane, 36, said.

"I know it's not a cure, but I still believe despite this that there is a link and I'm getting [the procedure] again if I start to deteriorate."

The province spent more than $400,000 for the study after intense lobbying from people with the disease.

The procedure is not covered by Newfoundland and Labrador' publicly funded health insurance plan. Health Minister Susan Sullivan said Thursday that there are no plans to begin funding the procedure.

Less than a month ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about a controversial and experimental vein procedure for people with multiple sclerosis.

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Health minister to discuss study of MS treatment