One has been going to the gym, and the other has taken up gardening again for the first time in years. The patients also stopped taking their arthritis medications. Three patients relapsed during the study, but when they were re-treated, it produced results that were as good or better than the first treatment. Even if treatment had to be repeated on average once a year, it still would be worthwhile, Edwards said. The treatment would be given once a year, and take between two and three weeks.
More research is needed, as well as confirmation of the current research, experts say.
The treatment is based on research indicating that the disease is caused by white blood cells that attack healthy tissue. Antibody-forming white blood cells called B lymphocytes, which are supposed to fight disease instead create abnormal antibodies that not only cause rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, but also keep the disease going through a vicious cycle. These B-cells accidentally attack healthy tissues and cause inflammation of the joints. Edwards theorized that if these B cells were removed, normal cells making normal antibodies would return after a few months. There has also been earlier evidence that suppressing the immune system can help relieve arthritis.