The Quebec College of Physicians says an experimental treatment for multiple sclerosis is too risky to be practiced in the province.
The procedure is called "liberation therapy," and is based on research by Italian doctor Paolo Zamboni.
Zamboni has hypothesized that MS may be caused by a narrowing and twisting of veins that drain blood from the brain.
The treatment involves a surgical procedure to unblock narrowed veins in the neck, but the college of physicians says there isn't enough scientific data to back the hypothesis.
Dr. Guy Dumas, director of college, said Tuesday that blockages may be a consequence, not a cause, of the disease.
He said the procedure is invasive and can have serious complications.
"We have to wait to be sure to make sure this is a good way to treat multiple sclerosis," Dumas said. "We don't have enough evidence."
Dumas, who suffers from multiple sclerosis himself, said he can sympathize with those who are hopeful the treatment work, but he said people should be patient and wait until more research has been completed.
Some MS patients have opted to travel abroad to get the treatment, and have posted testimonials on websites and chat rooms saying the liberation procedure has reduced their symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis has long been viewed as an autoimmune disease, so Zamboni's contention that it is caused by vascular anomalies has been hotly debated.
Many medical experts are urging caution.
Saskatchewan, however, has decided to fund clinical trials of the treatment. Newfoundland and Labrador plans to pay for a study of MS patients who have chosen to undergo the procedure.
- with files from The Canadian Press
