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This program is supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Content is independently developed by CMSC.
Monitoring Patients After a Change in Treatment Regimen
Mark Freedman, MD, MSc, Tanuja Chitnis, MD, and Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, review conditions under which they would assess treatment success for patients who have changed therapies.
In this segment, the discussion shifts towards the utility of monitoring NFL in comparison to MRI for patients on MS therapy. Experts inquire about the possibility of using NFL to reduce the frequency of MRI scans, particularly in regions with limited access to MRI machines.
They acknowledge the potential cost-saving benefit of using NFL to confidently space out MRI scans. Experts introduce the concept of confirmed NFL elevation to ensure the accuracy of NFL changes and discusses the intriguing aspect of non-correlation between contrast-enhancing lesions and NFL levels.
Tanuja Chitnis, MD, emphasizes the importance of having an annual MRI for a comprehensive assessment of lesion location and status. However, she suggests using NFL every three months to monitor more frequently. The discussion touches on the challenge of interpreting lesions in older age and the need for further research to understand the correlation between NFL and contrast-enhancing lesions.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive® editorial staff.
