Latest Conference Coverage

Cortical Lesion Burden Associated With Disability Worsening, Transition to Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Three-year follow-up data presented at the ACTRIMS Forum 2022 suggest cortical lesion burden, particularly subpial lesions, is the primary driver of worsening disability and conversion to secondary progressive MS.

CNM-Au8 Shows Effects on Brain Bioenergetic Metabolism, Supports Candidacy in Multiple Sclerosis

Mechanistic data from the phase 2 REPAIR-MS trial support blinded efficacy data from the VISIONARY-MS trial, suggesting that Clene Nanomedicine’s investigational CNM-Au8 has the potential to drive clinically meaningful improvements in recognized MS functional end points.

Cladribine Shows Long-Term Efficacy in Delaying MS Conversion, Favorable Efficacy Compared With Other Oral DMTs

A pair of datasets from the CLASSIC-MS and GLIMPSE studies of cladribine (Mavenclad; EMD Serono) suggest that the oral tablet sustained delayed conversion to clinically definite MS as well as favorable efficacy to dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, and teriflunomide.

Paramagnetic Rim Lesions Demonstrate Diagnostic Potential for MS Referrals

Using a diagnostic threshold of at least 1 paramagnetic rim lesion, MS was identified with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 88%, which increased to 95% after excluding patients with RIS and CIS.

Cycling Intervention Shows Modest Improvement in Walking Measures for Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Additional study is required to further investigate the integration of FES cycling into clinical practice for management of SPMS.

MSDA Test Identified as Biomarker-Based Instrument to Assess Disease Activity in Multiple Sclerosis

Investigators concluded that the Multiple Sclerosis Disease Activity test can assist in monitoring therapeutic response to glatiramer acetate and biologic agents.

Cost Efficiency and Promoting Healthy Lifestyles in Multiple Sclerosis: Bruce Bebo, PhD

Swank and Wahls Diets Show Positive Impact on Weight, Cholesterol in Relapsing MS

At the 12- and 24-week time points, patients in both diet groups demonstrated statistically significant differences in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, body weight, and body mass index.

Tolebrutinib Shows Favorable Long-Term Safety, Efficacy in Relapsing MS Open-Label Extension

For patients who remained on 60-mg tolebrutinib through Part B of the study, the number of new Gadolinium-enhancing lesions and new/enlarging T2 lesions remained low.

Immunosuppressive DMTs Associated With Longer COVID-19 Hospitalization in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Investigators caution health care providers to consider specific risks of severe COVID-19 infection before initiating this therapy.

Discussing Economic Burden for Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Bruce Bebo, PhD

The executive vice president of the National MS Society spoke on the updated data from an analysis on economic burden, which illustrated the ‘staggering’ impact of the disease. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Calorie Restriction Diets Associated With Reduction in Memory T Cell Subsets in Multiple Sclerosis

Investigators conducted a study to assess the effects of CR diet on immune cell subsets, concluding that observed changes could be mediated by changes in classes of lipid metabolites.

Low Neutralizing Antibody Incidence, High Antidrug Antibody Rates Observed in MS With Ublituximab Treatment

There were no statistically significant differences in infusion-related reactions among patients with multiple sclerosis who tested positive or negative for treatment-emergent antidrug antibodies.

Gearing Up For the 2022 ACTRIMS Forum: Jeffrey Cohen, MD

The professor of neurology at Cleveland Clinic and president of ACTRIMS noted his excitement for this year’s Forum, which will feature presentations on a variety of topics in the field of multiple sclerosis. [WATCH TIME: 2 minutes]

Cladribine, Fingolimod Demonstrate Similar Relapse Response in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

After 12 months of treatment, the 2 disease-modifying therapies were comparable in efficacy, with less treatment switching and discontinuation in cladribine-treated patients.

RapidAI Shows High Sensitivity, Specificity for Detecting Intracranial Hemorrhage, Large Vessel Occlusion

After Rapid LVO installation, CTA to groin puncture time decreased and 90-day clinical outcomes, expressed using modified Rankin Scale, were improved.

Early Mobilization Protocol Safely Initiated Post Intravenous Alteplase Treatment

The study found the approach could be utilized in the intensive care unit without adverse effects on neurological or functional outcomes.

What to Expect at ACTRIMS Forum 2022

ACTRIMS president Jeffrey Cohen, MD, offered insight into what’s to come from the upcoming Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis Annual Forum 2022.

Takeaways, Highlights From the Institutional Perspectives in Neurology: MS: Eric Klawiter, MD, MSc

The director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital commented on presentations given at the recent event, as well as key takeaways from his own discussion on novel imaging approaches in multiple sclerosis. [WATCH TIME: 2 minutes]

Black Patients Present Greater Association With Comorbidities Prior to Ischemic Stroke

There was no significant association between Black race and clinical outcome following mechanical thrombectomy.

Discussing Novel Imaging Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis: Eric Klawiter, MD, MSc

The director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital outlined a presentation he gave at a recent Institutional Perspectives in Neurology: MS event. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Significance and Role of B-Cell Depleting Medications for Multiple Sclerosis

Kristin Galetta, MD, MSEd, provided insight on differences between B-cell depleting disease-modifying therapies for MS and how they continue to shape the future of drug development.

Interim Analysis Finds No Safety Concerns for SELECT2 Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke

The data safety monitoring board reviewed 90-day outcomes for the first 200 patients, recommending that investigators continue the study as it currently stands.

Massachussets General Hospital: Institutional Perspectives in Neurology, Chaired by Eric Kawiter, MD, MSc

Chaired by Eric Klawiter, MD, MSc, the presentations also feature Mass General and Brigham and Women's experts Tanuja Chitnis, MD; Kristin Galetta, MD; and Michael Levy, MD, PhD. [WATCH TIME: 1 hour, 26 minutes]

Understanding Differences in B-Cell Depleting Medications for MS: Kristin Galetta, MD, MSEd

The professor of neurology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital discussed her presentation on B-cell depleting therapies such as ocrelizumab and ofatumumab for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. [WATCH TIME: 2 minutes]

Tenecteplase Restores Blood Flow Up to 24 Hours Post-Stroke With Limited Hemorrhage Risk

More than 30% of the lower dose tenecteplase group achieved major reperfusion without symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage at 24 to 48 hours after thrombolysis.

EVT Reduces Physical Limitations, Improves 90-Day Outcomes Over Standard Therapy in Severe Stroke

A greater proportion of those treated with EVT had modified Rankin Scale scores of 0-3 at 90 days and NIHSS improvements of at least 8 points or more at 48 hours, relative to standard medical therapy.

Poor Outcomes Observed for Children With Untreated Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

For pediatric patients with LVO, 4 out of 5 fulfilled adult thrombectomy selection criteria, aside from age.

Telestroke Implementation, Standardized Workflow Facilitate Equitable Endovascular Treatment

DOAC Treatment a Reasonable Alternative to Warfarin for Patients With CVT

When compared with warfarin, treatment with DOACs was associated with a favorable safety profile, as well as similar clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.