Can Chemotherapy & Stem Cell Treatment Be Used for Psoriatic Arthritis?

I was recently very touched by an article that I read in USA Today. The article was about actress Selma Blair and her next steps in her journey with Multiple sclerosis (MS).

Now, I know that MS and psoriatic arthritis aren’t the same things. There are very distinct and real conditions. But while there are plenty of differences, they also exist as two branches of the same tree.

Connecting chemotherapy and stem cell treatments for autoimmune conditions

The premise of the article that intrigued me most was the fact that the actress recently began a more aggressive chemotherapy treatment alongside stem cell therapy. As the first line of defense, many doctors prescribe different forms of chemotherapy, such as methotrexate. Doses are often much smaller than those used to treat cancer patients.

However, what Blair and her doctors are trying involves chemotherapy at higher than standard doses and the stem cells will help promote healing and recovery that is necessary as a result of the high chemotherapy. Her previous attempts to manage the disease have failed, prompting her to try this (new and mostly untested) therapy.

The risk of chemotherapy and stem cell treatments for psoriatic arthritis

In my opinion, this is a fascinating (and possibly scary) new development in the treatment of autoimmune conditions. However, it begs the question, if it were a possible treatment option, is it a risk you’d be willing to take? T

That is quite a lot to consider when you look at completely breaking down your body, to the point of near and possible death, only to try and rebuild it back up again possibly psoriatic arthritis free.

Just a psoriatic arthritis patient

I’m certainly no scientist, chemist, or even a doctor for that matter. I’m just a patient, just like you, always weighing the pros and cons of everything. I try to read about autoimmune disease and the directions that treatment options might be heading.

So when it comes down to it, I don’t know all of the ins and out or technical terms. What I do know though, as a patient, is that there is a great deal to offer here in terms of hope and healing.

Difficulty isn't uncommon with psoriatic arthritis

Like anything, it would be difficult, but it is definitely an avenue worth exploring. In the end, only time will tell how her story turns out and the same is true for ours. But now that I have a young daughter with psoriatic arthritis, it makes me excited to know that people are talking about autoimmune conditions.

It's affirming to see what information is becoming available so advocacy and scientific advancements can take place.

Psoriatic arthritis need voices for change

Is this the right treatment for me? For you? Who really knows at this point. What is true is that our voices for change are being heard, even if it takes several “stars” to make it happen.

Psoriatic arthritis and all autoimmune conditions have stood on the sidelines waiting for effective treatments for too long. Sometimes it takes someone a little bold and a little daring to show the world that something needs to be done to not only treat the disease but cure it.