Shifting to a Collaborative Approach to Conquer Challenges in Progressive MS: Anne H. Cross, MD

WATCH TIME: 3 minutes

“I think we need to understand why neurons die, why axons die, why oligodendroglial don't proliferate, and remyelinate axons when they are demyelinated. We need to understand those processes better and there are scientists that are focused on that right now. I think once we understand that better, we'll be able to really target those processes to stop it, or reverse it, which would be fantastic."

One of the main challenges in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) currently is the management of those who have progressive forms of the disease. According to knowledge so far on the disease pathophysiology, there are 3 therapeutic strategies recommended, such as anti-inflammatory treatment, remyelinating therapy, and neuroprotective treatment.¹ Despite positive findings from recent clinical trials, research suggests that new methodological approaches are needed for therapeutic protocols with adaptable outcomes for assessing disease progression.

Recently, Anne H. Cross, MD, professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine, presented on targeting various pathways of disease progression in early MS in a session at the 2023 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting, held May 31 to June 3, in Aurora, Colorado. During her presentation, shespoke about compartmentalized inflammation and highlighted the essential need for more effective treatments to combat the disease among patients living with more progressive forms of the disease.²

Cross sat down in an interview with NeurologyLive® at the meeting to discuss how the focus of treatment has shifted from relapsing MS to progressive MS, and the impact this has had on the hope for patients living with the disease. She also talked about the key processes that need to be understood to develop effective treatments for progressive MS, according to her clinical perspective. Additionally, Cross spoke explained how the collaborative approach aims to improve the care and treatment of patients with MS, and the key stakeholders involved in doing so.

Click here for more coverage of CMSC 2023.

REFERENCES
1. Maillart E. Treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis: Challenges and promising perspectives. Rev Neurol (Paris). 2018;174(6):441-448. doi:10.1016/j.neurol.2018.01.3702. Cross AH. Neuroimmunologic Pathways of Disease Progression: Potential Targets for Intervention. Presented at: 2023 CMSC Annual Meeting; May 31-June 3; Aurora, CO. Targeting Pathways of Disease Progression in Early MS. Independently Supported Symposium. ISS3.