NCTalks with Jeffrey Cohen: bone marrow transplantation for multiple sclerosis

In this NCTalks podcast we speak to Jeffrey Cohen, Director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research (OH, USA). Dr Cohen has a large clinical practice and is also Director of Experimental Therapeutics program and is involved in a number of clinical trials. Today, Dr Cohen discusses the use of bone marrow transplantation as a treatment option for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), the subject of a Hot Topics discussion at ECTRIMS 2016 (London, UK, 14–17 September 2016). Is the technique a good option for patients? How could it be improved? What does the future of MS treatment look like? Listen to our podcast to find out Dr Cohen’s opinions on these key issues and more.
Summary

00.08 Introduction

00.38 First, please could you tell us a little about your background and current research and clinical focuses?

01.13 You were recently involved in a Hot Topics discussion at ECTRIMS 2016 on the use of bone marrow transplantation as a treatment for active relapsing remitting MS – could you give an overview of what this treatment involves?

02.20 What support is there for this as a treatment for relapsing remitting MS? For which patients is it best suited?

03.21 What are the main arguments against the use of bone marrow transplantation?

04.51 Do you think it is likely that the treatment could be refined and its success rate improved in the next 5–10 years?

05.35 More broadly, what do you see as the most promising area/s of development for treatments for MS?