Research News
Updates on the 2004 Annual Meetings
Each year, medical professionals meet to learn about new research, treatments, and MS management. MSAA participates in two of these conferences, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, and the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting.
The AAN Annual Meeting
The 2004 AAN Meeting, held in San Francisco in April, encompassed world- wide research on all neurological diseases, including MS. Topics on MS included updates on etiology theories (how MS is acquired), use of MRI, treatment options, pediatric MS, and many individual study results.
To follow is an overview of some of the research presented at this year's meeting. Many of the studies mentioned are preliminary, uncontrolled, and without extensive peer review, so caution is advised when interpreting the results. Listed below are treatments that may suggest a positive effect on MS, but more studies are warranted.
- Daclizumab (Zenapax®, a humanized monoclonal antibody) for relapsing-remitting (RR) and secondary-progressive (SP) types of MS
- Oral laquinimod may be effective in suppressing development of active lesions
- Combination of Avonex® and mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept®) in RRMS
- High-dose IV methotrexate with leucovorin rescue for worsening MS despite Avonex treatment
- Combination of fludarabine (FAMP) and interferon (IFN) beta-1b (Betaseron®) for fast and sustained immunosuppression in RRMS with "breakthrough" disease
- Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) treatment for recent onset of severe optic neuritis
- Combination of modafanil (Provigil®) and Avonex for treating cognitive deficits
- TCR peptide/IFA vaccine may decrease MRI activity in responders
- Lamotrigine, often with other medications, used for MS-related pain
- IFN beta-1b and azathioprine for patients with breakthrough disease
- Rituximab (anti CD 20 antibody) may affect disability in rapidly worsening MS
- Combination of cyclophosphamide and IFN beta-1b stabilizes deteriorating SPMS patients
Other news included:
Positive, follow-up data on long-term studies such as OPTIMS (testing two doses of IFN beta-1b); 10-year Copaxone study; CHAMPIONS (Avonex delays onset of MS if given at first event); PRISMS (hi-dose IFN beta-1a, [Rebif®], reduces disease burden on MRI); QUASIMS (compares patients using different IFN beta-1b products); RENEW (observation for safety with Novantrone); EUSPMS (European follow-up study of IFN beta 1b);
BEYOND (Betaseron dose study)
Encouraging results from small trial to develop blood test to diagnose and identify type of MS Copaxone® study with primary-progressive (PP) MS patients may have been discontinued prematurely; could have beneficial impact on progression in men. Research continues with mitoxantrone (Novantrone®) in PPMS patients as well as a safety study with Novantrone and Copaxone Persistent neutralizing antibodies (NABs) may reduce clinical effect of IFN betas in some peopleImmunomodulating drugs for MS greatly decrease relapse rate and favorably affect disability in children or adolescents with MS; side effects well tolerated. Nasal formulation of Avonex may have potential usefulness. Supervised exercise program (with hydrotherapy and resistance training) may help maintain motor function and decrease fatigue in wheelchair-dependent patients. Autologous stem cell transplant with aggressive MS (resistant to conventional therapy) is still being tested at different locations; results are mixed at this time.
For more information on the 2004 meeting, please log onto www.aan.com. Individuals wishing to view abstracts from the meeting must first register with their name and email address.
The CMSC Annual Meeting
Toronto, Canada hosted this year's CMSC Annual Meeting which was held in June. In contrast to the AAN's Meeting, the CMSC Annual Meeting is devoted entirely to MS. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the treatment team attend this meeting to learn about directly managing MS and assisting those affected by the disease.
Topics for this year's symposia included: pediatric MS, brain atrophy, suboptimal response to MS treatment, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and MS, managing MS and its difficult symptoms, male experiences in MS, rehabilitation, "dediagnosing" MS (looking at other possibilities), neutralizing antibodies, treating SPMS, advanced nursing in MS, cultural considerations in MS, reproductive counseling, and clinical trial management.
Additionally, several abstracts were presented on works-in-progress, with studies addressing issues ranging from fitness, aging, caregivers, family, and money management, to symptom management, disease modifying therapies, and research. Global perspectives included such topics as care partner stress and developing a wellness day for care partners; utilization of MRI; and models of care, educational practices, and characteristics of veterans with MS. Posters presented study results encompassing a host of diverse subjects such as: medications and dose, managing symptoms and treatment side effects, quality of life in an MS rehab clinic, long-term management and comfort issues, and assessing pediatric demyelinating disease.
Abstracts on all of the programs and studies presented at the CMSC 2004 Annual Meeting are available on the CMSC's website at www.mscare.org.
