By Gabrielle de Coster and Matt Trevor

Developing the next generation of treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is dependent upon the outstanding partnership that has been built between current patients and staff from the ALS Center of Excellence at Michigan Medicine.

Given that the exact causes of ALS remain to be determined and there is no cure, clinical research, including both clinical trials and observational studies, are critical for medical progress. The U-M ALS Center of Excellence conducts both types of patient-driven research to better understand the disease and unveil new treatment opportunities.

“We need to continue doing research so that we can one day find a cure,” says Jayna Duell RN, a research nurse and study coordinator at the U-M Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic.

Observational studies, Duell said, are focused on finding causes of ALS. People participate by answering surveys and providing blood and urine samples to help find ALS risk factors. In contrast, clinical drug trials allow researchers to determine whether a drug slows down ALS or improves ALS symptoms.

“The only way we can find a cure is if we really understand the cause of the disease,” Duell says. “So, we need to continue to do research to learn more about why people are getting this disease. Then we need to do more clinical trials so that we can try to determine if there is a therapy to slow or halt the progression of this disease.”

Most clinical drug trials offered by the U-M ALS Center of Excellence are Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies. The overall objectives of Phase 2 studies are to determine whether experimental drugs are safe in persons with ALS and also whether there is any indication of a positive impact on disease. If a Phase 2 study is promising, the drug will often move into a Phase 3 study to determine if it works; these studies are often performed at multiple sites and sometimes around the globe. If a Phase 3 study is successful, a drug may be reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval.

The goal of the U-M Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic is to enable every person that wants to participate in ALS research the chance to do so. Driven by their desire to find a future cure, persons with ALS are more than willing to contribute to the research despite extensive appointments and sometimes long commutes to the clinic, explains Blake Swihart, who is a study coordinator and project manager at the clinic.

“As you walk in the door, people are actively wanting to be engaged in the studies,” Swihart says. “That’s a testament not only to the work that Jayna and I do, but also to the patient population that is desperate for some sort of treatment, if not a cure, for the disease.”

Those that are interested in participating, Swihart says, are wholeheartedly invested in their contribution.

“If I can do anything to help others in the future, that’s all I’m trying to do,” says Robert Simons, who is a patient of the U-M clinic.

Duell and Swihart both expressed that patients are often inspired to offer assistance in any way they can.

“‘I want to be of some benefit to finding answers,’ they’ve just got that mentality,” Duell says. “Patients are willing to do a lot of research, whether it’s just blood draws, or surveys or a clinical trial.”

Duell and Swihart are both integral components in pursuing that cure, coordinating and organizing the research studies that bring U-M closer to better information and treatments for ALS, says Stephen Goutman, M.D., M.S., who is the director of the U-M Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic.

“Jayna and Blake are unique because they communicate regularly with our ALS patients and their families, and then also see the research that is taking place in the laboratory,” Goutman says. “The partnership we have with our patients is imperative to understanding ALS and developing new treatments. For example, our publication in March that reported on environmental toxins in the state of Michigan was based entirely from the blood specimens provided to us by our patients.”

BUILDING A BOND WITH PATIENTS

Swihart’s start with the ALS clinic was prompted by a desire for increased patient contact, he says. A graduate of Indiana University and McGill University, Swihart worked at U-M’s cancer center for five years working on clinical trials and investigator-initiated studies before he joined the U-M ALS Clinic in 2013.

In the ALS clinic, Swihart enjoys the opportunity to work face-to-face with individuals and their families, as compared to his previous clinical trial experience which dealt with quantitative data. This shift has allowed him to form personal connections with the patients.

“I was dealing with patient data and records (at the cancer center). I knew the people really well, but I only knew them because I was reviewing their medical records for potential research,” Swihart says. “Now I have a three-dimensional picture because I am able to talk to them, to meet them, and work with them to combat this disease.”

While the lengthy visits are medically focused, Swihart stresses the importance of conversation beyond one’s condition and acknowledging the humanity of the person with ALS.

“They are people with a disease, not the other way around,” says Swihart, “Many patients have kids or grand kids, lives to live away from the clinic. It’s satisfying to be able to form a bond. I think it’s vital.”

Swihart notes that self-reflection is a natural consequence of the relationships formed through the clinic.

“When there’s someone who is 47, and that’s as old as my brother, you start thinking about your own life,” Swihart says. “You always have to put things in perspective.”

Before joining the U-M ALS Clinic, Duell was a nurse on the U-M orthopedic and trauma unit, which she describes as a very physically demanding job. A U-M graduate and avid football fan, Duell participated in a U-M women’s football camp in 2011, during which she broke her hand. Unable to work while she healed, Duell learned about an opportunity to work with a stem cell trial in the U-M ALS Clinic. She was enticed by the new challenge because it would enable her to build longer-term relationships with her patients, a contrast from her prior role.

Duell says she spends hours with a patient at each research appointment in the clinic over the course of months or years.

“I get to know them as a person rather than an ALS patient,” Duell said. “I get to know about their hobbies and interests — who they were before they had ALS – knowing them on a human level builds that connection more quickly.”

To her, the effect of these relationships extend beyond the clinic, Duell says. She draws inspiration by watching patients’ family structure and support system strengthen over the course of the disease.

“When I see the patients and what they’re going through and how their families step in,” Duell says, “it certainly impacts me emotionally and impacts the decisions in my life – what I want to do with my family and how I want to be.”

While Duell and Swihart both credit their roles for personal growth and a renewed perspective, the patients themselves also express gratitude for the level of support that Duell and Swihart offer.

“To me, they have gone over and beyond to make things possible for me that I wouldn’t do on my own,” says Joe Feudi, who is a U-M patient.

To the patients and families impacted by ALS, the clinical progress Duell and Swihart are a part of is purpose-giving.

“Research is one thing that is giving them hope,” Duell said.

GRAND RAPIDS – Eva Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., the Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology and Director of the ALS Center of Excellence, was the keynote speaker for the Susan Mast ALS Foundation luncheon on May 20. More than 120 members of the West Michigan ALS community congregated at the University Club in Grand Rapids to hear Dr. Feldman’s presentation.

Dr. Feldman focused her talk on ALS research and the possible reasons why the state of Michigan has one of the highest rates of ALS in the United States. In February, Dr. Feldman and first author Stephen Goutman, M.D., M.S., associate director of the ALS Center of Excellence, published new findings about the impact that environmental toxins have on ALS development and progression. The research was conducted using blood samples from ALS patients in Michigan.

“We have discovered that environmental toxins, including pesticides and flame retardants, increase the likelihood of developing ALS,” says Feldman. “We are using cutting-edge technology to determine how these toxins alter the body’s metabolism and lead to ALS.”

Following her presentation, Dr. Feldman joined Dr. Paul Twydell from Spectrum Health and Dr. Joel Phillips from Mercy Health for a panel discussion about ALS research and care that incorporated questions from the audience. Dr. Feldman elaborated upon other research taking place at U-M — how genetics are a factor in ALS susceptibility, the goal of repurposing an existing drug for treatment in ALS, and the future of stem cell transplantation.

To begin the luncheon, Dr. Feldman was introduced by Sherry Schuen, who is a Grand Rapids resident that receives care from the U-M Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic. A few days prior to the event, Mrs. Schuen was featured by the ABC-affiliated TV station in Grand Rapids. Also, she and Dr. Feldman took part in a PBS-produced panel discussion about ALS earlier in May.

Related: Michigan’s manufacturing legacy may be affecting our health, environment (Detroit Free Press)

Related: Study finds link between pesticide exposure and ALS in Michigan patients (Michigan Radio)

Dr. Eva Feldman, Director of the ALS Center of Excellence at Michigan Medicine, joined a panel to discuss ALS for “Family Health Matters,” which is a series produced by WGVU, the PBS affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition to Dr. Feldman, the program featured Sherry Schuen, who receives care at the U-M Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic, and Catie Matzka, the wife of Scott Matzka who received care at U-M and passed away due to ALS in 2018. The 30-minute show originally aired on May 5 as part of WGVU’s programming to highlight ALS Awareness Month.

Some of Dr. Feldman’s comments include:
“Michigan has one of the highest prevalences of ALS in the country. The Midwest has the highest. Between Michigan and Ohio we have more ALS patients than any other state, per capita.”

“We’re interested in why such a high prevalence in Michigan. Why are we essentially the No. 1 state in the country? We’re beginning to understand that. We think that the environment plays a very large part. Michigan is both an industrial and agricultural state, so we have a lot of toxins and pollutants in our environment. We have 65 uncleaned Superfund sites, which are toxic dumps, in the state of Michigan, compared to 39 in Ohio and Indiana with 40. We think there’s an environmental hit and if you have a genetic predisposition then you’re more likely to develop the disease.”

“There are at least eight different sub-types of this disease. Different people present differently. Some people present just with a weak arm or a leg. Some people present just with difficulty speaking. The tempo of the disease, how it progresses over time, really depends on the presentation.”

“We now know that about 15-20% of this disease is inherited and runs in families. There is something called a polygenic risk score. Little pieces of multiple genes may make you more susceptible to developing ALS if you have an second insult, such as an environmental insult.”

“My hope for the future is that with continued research we can understand what causes the disease. We’re much closer now than we were 10 years ago, so progress is being made. My hope is that there will be continued funding for the research by the government and by foundations. My hope is that our patients will continue to engage with us in trying to understand what causes the disease and how we can better treat the disease and how we can better understand all different aspects of the disease. Of course, my big hope is for a cure! It will always be that way.”

The University of Michigan baseball team held its inaugural ALS Awareness Game on May 7 when it defeated Michigan State, 7-0, at the Wilpon Complex, home of Ray Fisher Stadium. In addition to promotional activities around the facility, both U-M and MSU wore #StrikeoutALS stickers on their batting helmets.

Showing their support for ALS Awareness, in addition to all affected by ALS, were the clinical and research teams from Michigan Medicine’s ALS Center of Excellence. Dr. Eva Feldman, director for the Center, and Dr. Stephen Goutman, clinical director for the Center, were on hand for the game. Dr. Goutman had the privilege of throwing out the first pitch.

The Michigan baseball program’s coaching staff has been significantly impacted by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. U-M Head Coach Erik Bakich and U-M Assistant Head Coach Nick Schnabel both played for East Carolina University during the 1999 and 2000 seasons under the direction of Head Coach Keith LeClair. In 2001, LeClair was diagnosed with ALS and he passed away in 2006. To honor their coach’s memory, both Bakich and Schnabel wear the number 23 jersey at U-M.

Feature Story – Coaching Third: Honoring the Impactful Man Who Inspired Two U-M Coaches

“First and foremost, I am very thankful for Coach Bakich, who requested our participation in the Strikeout ALS Game,” said Dr. Feldman, who is the Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology. “In our conversation leading up to tonight, I learned that he’s very devoted to helping us understand the cause of ALS and develop new treatments. He and Coach Schnabel have a direct connection to Lou Gehrig’s disease, so they have a deep-rooted appreciation for how important it is to continually research new ways to help patients and their loved ones.”

On the airwaves, play-by-play announcer Ira Weintraub spoke to Dr. Feldman during the second inning about the challenges of ALS and how she and her staff are fighting the disease.

“I am so appreciative for the University of Michigan baseball team’s continued efforts to raise awareness for ALS,” said Goutman, who is an associate professor of neurology. “Over the past seven months they have taken part in the Hot Pepper Challenge, Mustache March and, of course, Tuesday’s Strikeout ALS Game. In addition to research and patient care, part of our mission at Michigan Medicine’s ALS Center of Excellence is to educate our community, and an event like Strikeout ALS is a terrific opportunity to do just that. I hope we can make this an annual event. Personally, I enjoyed getting to throw out the first pitch, meeting the players and spending some time with Coach Bakich, who is passionate about ALS.”

Prior to and during the game, ALS Center of Excellence staff members distributed ALS information fliers, scorecards with “Strikeout ALS” emblazoned on them and answered questions from patrons. Several people stopped by to share a story about a loved one who had been affected by ALS.

Related:
Inaugural Strikeout ALS Baseball Game Set for May 7 (PNRD)
U-M Hockey, ALS Center of Excellence Continue Fight Against ALS (PNRD)

The University of Michigan baseball team will host rival Michigan State on Tuesday (May 7) at 6 p.m., in the inaugural Strikeout ALS Game, presented by Michigan Medicine’s ALS Center of Excellence.  The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network and broadcast in Ann Arbor on WLBY 1290 AM.

The Michigan baseball program’s coaching staff has been significantly impacted by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. U-M Head Coach Erik Bakich and U-M Assistant Head Coach Nick Schnabel both played for East Carolina University during the 1999 and 2000 seasons under the direction of Head Coach Keith LeClair. In 2001, LeClair was diagnosed with ALS and he passed away in 2006. To honor their coach’s memory, both Bakich and Schnabel wear the number 23 jersey at U-M.

Numerous activities and promotions are available throughout the evening as the baseball program continues its participation in generating awareness and support in the fight against ALS. The ALS Center of Excellence will have a table on the concourse to share information about research and treatment. Dr. Stephen Goutman, director of the U-M Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic, will throw out the first pitch. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a StrikeoutALS K Card. Both U-M and MSU will wear #StrikeoutALS stickers on their batting helmets.

Related: 
Promise to dying coach fuels Bakich (Michigan Daily)
Michigan Baseball participates in Mustache March for ALS (Twitter)
Michigan’s new mustaches are there for a reason (Michigan Daily)

University of Michigan Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic Director Dr. Stephen Goutman joined Cynthia Canty on Michigan Radio’s Stateside program on Wednesday (April 10) to discuss the connections between the progression of ALS and organic toxins, like pesticides and industrial chemicals.

Listen to the complete Stateside Interview

Related: Michigan’s manufacturing legacy may be affecting our health, environment (Detroit Free Press)

Related: Pesticide exposure may lead to faster ALS progression, UM study shows (M Live)

Related: Pesticide exposure contributes to faster ALS progression (Michigan Lab Blog)