A Discussion with Experts
I was invited to attend a phone conference where two experts in multiple sclerosis fielded questions from myself and others. It was sponsored by revolutionhealth.com. Here is the link to the full audio of the conversation. I encourage anyone interested in learning more about current research to listen - it's free.
Here are some of my questions and their responses which I found interesting:
I've read Epsteinn-Barr virus has been implicated as a possible environmental factor related to MS. I'm curious about your thoughts on the relationship between the two.
They said this link has been discussed for many years. About 90% of the general adult population has been infected with Epsteinn-Barr; about 99% of the adult MS population has been infected with Epsteinn-Barr. What is more significant is that in pediatric multiple sclerosis, nearly, if not all children have been infected with Epsteinn-Barr, which strongly suggests that the virus is very much linked to developing multiple sclerosis.
What is the current and planned research for monoclonal antibodies with MS? Is this as promising as some lead us to believe?
There is ongoing research in this area including rituximab which is injected once every 6 months. It is currently entering phase 3 trials - phase 2 just completed and looks highly effective.
What area(s) of research do you currently see as the most promising?
FTY720 - currently starting phase 3 trials, phase 2 very successful. Promising new oral drug which, if successful in trials, should be available in 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2010.
Fumarate, used to treat cirrhosis, is finishing phase 2 and enter phase 3 trials - would also be available in 2010.
Cladribrine - an immune suppressant. This could have positive effects on MS but also could go too far in suppressing the immune system which could lead to opportunistic diseases.
How would you recommend someone who wants to help further MS research get involved and contribute?
Clinical trials and reaching out to the medical community. The National MS Society. The National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke
Treatment Trends
The move will be away from self-injectable medications towards oral and intravenous medications (taken, for example, every 6 months). Treatments, in the future, will be better tailored to each individual.
Combinational therapy is probably in the future, but with caution. Opportunistic infections have occurred - for example, with the combination of Avonex and Tysabri, two MS patients acquired a very serious infection. One of those patients died, the other is severely disabled.
Other combinations are going through testing including Avonex and Copaxone.
Comments
Being told last Friday that my MRI showed the patterns of Ms but needed to wait of two attacks which I am sure I have had but did not relay to nero did not think it fitted.My father also had Ms and his sister and my cousin.He said it looked quite good but since then not copping and getting more symtoms so so scared
Posted by: michele | May 24, 2007 08:23 AM
Thanks for sharing. Sorry to hear you're going through this. I would definitely get a second opinion from another neurologist. You can call 1-800-FIGHT-MS to reach the National MS Society and they should be able to refer someone to you who specializes in multiple sclerosis.
There are actually treatments available which have been proven effective in those who are "highly likely" of developing MS (e.g., those who have MRI lesions but have not had two definitive relapses). If you fall into that category, those treatments could be an option for you. Something to talk to a neurologist about...best of luck with everything.
Posted by: J | May 25, 2007 01:04 AM
Ive been diagnosed with fibromyalgia a couple of months ago and am not sure thats the correct diagnosis because ive had tingling and numbness trouble with balance my site has been a problem and trouble using my hands and my legs have spasms alot just want to know if this could be the onset of MS?
Posted by: Terri | August 12, 2008 12:08 AM