Dr. Bashir- Nebraska stem cell treatment

Dr. Bashir believes that a stem cell transplant will reset the patient’s immune system and reverse the disease five to 10 years, or to a better functioning state.

"This gives patients more time to live a productive life while slowing down the disease process. We hope to delay the onset of disability," Dr. Bashir said.

The use of stem cell transplantation to treat MS is not for every patient, Dr. Bashir warns.

"This is for a select few patients who have a very aggressive form of the disease. We want this treatment to keep patients, who are using a cane or walker, mobile," he said.

Internationally, 70 patients have completed this treatment. During a two-year follow-up, 40 percent of the patients have improved, 40 percent did not get worse and 20 percent either didn’t respond to the treatment or their disease progressed.

"This shows that in 80 percent of the patients, there is some possible benefit," he said.

The need in this area is great, Dr. Bashir said. Nebraska is in one of the highest endemic areas of the country for MS. There are an estimated 5,000 people with MS living within a 100-mile radius of Omaha.

About two years ago, Dr. Bashir opened an MS clinic at UNMC. He now sees 450 patients.