Preservation of neuronal function as measured by clinical and MRI endpoints in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: how effective are current treatment strategies?

Preservation of neuronal function as measured by clinical and MRI endpoints in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: how effective are current treatment strategies? Expert Rev Neurother. 2018 Feb 07;: Authors: Graetz C, Groppa S, Zipp F, Siller N Abstract INTRODUCTION: Approved medications for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis have shown to be effective in terms of their anti-inflammatory potential. However, it is also crucial to evaluate what long-term effects a patient can expect from current MS drugs in terms of preventing neurodegeneration. Here we aim to provide an overview of the current treatment strategies in MS with a specific focus on potential neuroprotective effects. Areas covered: Randomized, double-blind and placebo or referral-drug controlled phase 2a/b and phase 3 trials were examined; non-blinded phase 4 studies (extension studies) were included to provide long-term data, if not otherwise available. Endpoints considered were expanded disability status scale, various neuropsychological tests, percent brain volume change and T1-hypointense lesions as well as multiple sclerosis functional composite, confirmed disease progression, and no evidence of disease activity. Expert commentary: Overall, neuroprotective functions of classical MS therapeutics are not sufficiently investigated, but available data show limited effects. Thus, further research and development in neuroprotection are warranted. When counselling patients, potential lon...
Source: Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics - Category: Neurology Tags: Expert Rev Neurother Source Type: research