REGINA – A clinical trial to determine the benefits of MS liberation therapy has been cancelled by the researchers.
The Albany Medical Clinic informed the Saskatchewan government it is unable to meet the target enrolment necessary for the study to produce statistically valid results.
“This news is disappointing for the approximately 3,500 Saskatchewan people who want to know whether this kind of treatment can help relieve MS symptoms,” said Health Minister Dustin Duncan.
MS liberation therapy is a controversial treatment that involves the widening of veins in the neck to improve blood flow to the brain.
Some studies have questioned whether the narrowed veins cause MS while proponents of the treatment claim it helps to alleviate the symptoms of MS.
“Our government wants to do everything it can to search for answers and further the science for people with MS,” said Duncan.
“That’s why Saskatchewan was supportive of this trial and will continue to be supportive of research that may provide answers for those with MS and their families.”
Saskatchewan had 86 patients planning to take part in the study but the research team could not recruit enough participants to meet United States government requirements for a clinical trial.
The province had committed up to $2.2 million for the study. So far, costs have been around $150,000.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that impairs or destroys the functioning of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Approximately 3,500 people in Saskatchewan are afflicted with MS, the highest per capita rate in the country.
The Ministry of Health says it will work with health and research partners to explore other options.
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