CCSVI and multiple sclerosis: the UBC connection
The leading cause of disability in Canada, MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own nervous system. Many factors are involved, including age, gender, climate and genetics. Over 60,000 Canadians have the disease, which is most likely to affect Caucasian women between the ages of 20 and 40 who live in a temperate climate, making Canada a global high-risk area. And because MS is progressive, the emotional, physical, and financial drain on the affected persons and on their families is immeasurable.In Italy, the vascular surgeon Dr. Paolo Zamboni has been pursuing the idea that MS stems from chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) -- a blockage of veins in the head and neck that results in excessive brain iron. He examines the blood vessels of patients with MS and surgically dilates blocked veins. Many of Dr. Zamboni's patients claim to be symptom free. Is this the cure for MS? Dr. Zamboni's findings are intriguing and his call for advanced MRI is valid, but very careful and independent research is required in order to draw any sound conclusions.
| Make an online donation for CCSVI research at UBC. |
| To inquire about giving opportunities for MS research, please contact: Fatima Hassam Associate Director, Development UBC Faculty of Medicine 604.822.8079 fatima.hassam@ubc.ca |
• Assess the validity of the CCSVI hypothesis for MS.
• Develop improved means for assessing CCSVI.
• Develop improved MRI techniques to assess brain iron content, determine if brain iron is a marker for CCSVI and investigate the relationship between brain iron depositions, MS and CCSVI.
• Develop improved MRI techniques for the visualization of veins in the brain.
• Design and carry out a scientific clinical trial including therapy for CCSVI.
• Monitor patients after therapy using MRI for brain iron measurements and the assessment of remyelination.
Our research plan will enable improved diagnosis of CCSVI and imaging of MS for both diagnosis and follow-up; insight into the role of CCSVI in MS and how proposed treatment changes the course of the disease; greater knowledge of the role iron plays in MS and how small veins and lesions are related; and development of a protocol which can be translated quickly into clinical routine and disseminated to other sites.
The CCSVI hypothesis holds the potential to introduce life-changing treatment for MS patients in B.C. and beyond, and has brought much hope to individuals suffering from MS across the globe. As a world leader in MS research and treatment, UBC is committed to testing the validity of the CCSVI hypothesis. Beyond the context of this study, our research will greatly elucidate how MS is understood, and will enhance future research directed toward the prevention and treatment of MS and other neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and ALS.
UBC is seeking donors -- individuals, corporations or foundations -- who will support this leading-edge MS research. Together, UBC and such a donor have the chance to lead efforts toward finding treatments and cures for patients with MS and other neurodegenerative diseases by conducting research that will advance our understanding of these debilitating conditions.
Learn more about CCSVI research at UBC.
