According to a story from Multiple Sclerosis News Today, Dr. Robert Fox and Dr. Robert Bermel, both of the Cleveland Clinic, recently spoke about new treatment improvements that are needed in multiple sclerosis at the 34th congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS). These improvements include tailoring the most effective treatments in a prompt manner on a personalized, case-by-case basis, and establishing more treatment options for progressive multiple sclerosis.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease which is characterized by damage to the myelin sheath, an fatty, insulating, protective covering that surrounds nerve cells and allows the to communicate effectively. Although a precise cause has not been determined, multiple sclerosis is considered an autoimmune disease, in which a certain trigger, such as an infection, may cause the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue. Smoking and certain genetic variants are also considered risk factors for the disease. Symptoms include blurred vision, double vision, blindness in one eye, numbness, abnormal sensations, pain, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, difficulty speaking and swallowing, mood instability, depression, loss of coordination, and fatigue. There are a number of treatments available for the disease, but no cure. Life expectancy for patients is slightly reduced. To learn more about multiple sclerosis, click here.
Getting the Best Treatment From the Start
Dr. Bermel says that it makes sense for patients to get the most effective and cutting edge therapies for their disease as soon as possible. However, this is not exactly common practice for most doctors. The primary reason why this approach is not very widespread is because of potential risks involved. Many physicians often start patients with a low dose of treatment. This dose is then slowly increased over time, or is otherwise modified in response to the condition of the patient. These are often older drugs that have a well established safety profile, but Dr. Bremel encourages the use of newer drugs, which may actually be safer than the older ones.
Treating Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Dr. Fox says that the most urgent unmet need for multiple sclerosis patients is the lack of therapies available for progressive disease. The progressive form of multiple sclerosis is less common, and there is only one FDA approved drug available for it. If patients do not fare well with it, they are not going to be in for a good time. However, there are some therapies in clinical trials, such as ibudilast, which show potential. This drug will hopefully enter Phase 3 trials as a therapy for progressive multiple sclerosis soon.
