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Updated: Aug 10, 2025
Intraspinal Cell Transplantation for Targeting Cervical Ventral Horn in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: September 18, 2011
Time for optimism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Philippe Corcia1,2, Christian Lunetta3, Patrick Vourc'h2,4
1CRMR SLA, CHU Tours, Tours, France.
Background And Purpose:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is among the most common motor neuron diseases in adults. Nevertheless, ALS remains fatal, despite decades of research and clinical trials, which has led to negative conclusions until recently in regard to four specific treatments. It is well known that we can learn from failures, and we consider that the time has come to present positive insight on this disease.
Methods:
We did a literature search using PubMed and Scopus for articles published in English from 1 January 2016, to 30 June 2022 dealing with "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis", diagnosis, treatment, and biomarkers.
Results:
A comprehensive review of the literature on diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of this condition showed convincing evidence that we are now able to diagnose earlier as well as to better monitor and treat ALS.
Conclusions:
Although ALS is often difficult to diagnose and remains incurable, there are many indications that an optimistic view of ALS management in the coming years is now realistic.
Insights
Recent advances allow for earlier diagnosis and better management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), offering new hope for patients. Despite remaining challenges, the outlook for ALS treatment is improving.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a common, fatal motor neuron disease.
- Past research and clinical trials yielded limited treatment successes.
- Learning from past failures provides opportunities for new insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis and treatment.
- To provide a positive perspective on managing ALS.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a literature search on PubMed and Scopus.
- Included English-language articles published between January 2016 and June 2022.
- Focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), diagnosis, treatment, and biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports earlier diagnosis of ALS.
- Improved methods for monitoring ALS progression are available.
- Current treatments for ALS show increasing effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- ALS diagnosis and monitoring have significantly improved.
- While ALS remains incurable, management strategies are advancing.
- An optimistic outlook for future ALS treatment is warranted.
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