MS Progressive Types: Research

In February 2008, it was announced that Rituxan showed promise for MS. This test is interesting because it explores B cells rather than T cells. PPMS often begins in the spine rather than the brain, so maybe a different focus is needed here. The test was completed just this May, and the results should be announced soon.

Another study probes the theory that PPMS is actually a different disease than MS. However, a study in Finland may contradict that as it finds RRMS and PPMS actually are quite similar.

Progressive Relapsing MS (PRMS)
It is difficult to diagnose Progressive Relapsing MS, and it is the least common disease course, so there are very few, if any, trials set up specifically for PRMS. However, MSers with PRMS often benefit from successful reseasrch for other MS types.

This type is often invited to participate in trials set up for other types, or trials such as cannibis-based where type does not matter.Another test valid for all types including PRMS is a recent on that asked "Does it hurt to smoke?" There seems to be evidence that smoking may exaggerate progression, and that is not a good thing. More study is needed, but it might be a good idea to quit ot at least cut down.

There are studies with goals other than new treatments. For example, there are studies to evaluate disability in relation to brain atrophy, or central motor conduction, and another comparing disability milestones with the patient's age at onset.

Open Clinical Trials
The final stage of research for a new medication is often volunteers taking it, tracking the results including side effects, and being monitored by testers to ensure the human factor produces the desired results.

My friend Denise was accepted for a clinical trial. "Things didn't quite work out as far as going on the trial/s went. Both trials I went for were for Secondary Progressive MSrs only. I didn't qualify for the first one, which was the stem cell trial. I was then passed on to a research team working on Statins - in this case Simvastatin. I decided not to go for this as the doses were just to high with potential side effects."

Denise brings up some good points. Volunteers must have exactly the characteristics for the desired outcome of the test. Also, each volunteer must carefully weigh the possible side effects against the benefits that may - or may not - result from taking the tested drug. In a placebo test, there is no way to know who is taking the test substance and who is taking the control.

Here are some clinical trials accepting volunteers:

• Oral Cladribine with Interferon-beta for SPMS, safety, tolerability, effectiveness
• Betaferon (Europe's name for Betaseron) for any type MS, disability progression, safety, daily adherence
• Betaferon for PPMS, disability progression, safety, daily adherence

To find these and other new studies and keep up with the status, visit Clinical Trials.

The National MS Society is always a good source for information. They provide a good article on Reseaerch in Progressive MS. In addition, they provide a downloadable pamphlet of 129 clinical studies that are current, just completed, or planned to begin in 2009.The MS International Federation also publishes information on MS research around the world.