All articles tagged with #disease modifying therapy
A columnist with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis shares her experience with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and a life hack involving weekly bleach baths to prevent infections caused by a depleted immune system. Despite initial resistance, she found that bleach baths effectively disinfect her body and prevent further complications.
Silent progression, also known as progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA), is a common phenomenon in multiple sclerosis (MS) where disability worsens without experiencing relapses. A review of studies suggests that PIRA accounts for at least 50% of reported instances of disability worsening in people with relapsing-remitting MS. Additionally, factors such as medication side effects, cost, and the form of treatment (injections, infusions, or pills) can influence MS patients' adherence to their treatments. The author questions the labeling of MS stages and emphasizes the importance of considering cost when making treatment decisions.
A recent study in Sweden found that autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) was safe and effective in treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), with nearly three-quarters of patients showing no signs of disease activity after five years. Another study showed that Lemtrada, a disease-modifying therapy, maintained its therapeutic effects on relapse rates, disability, and MRI outcomes over 11 years. Additionally, a survey of neurologists revealed that high-efficacy therapies are often recommended as initial treatment for older adults with MS, and there should be no arbitrary age barrier to aggressive treatment.
A Phase 3 clinical trial will test a new gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent, gadoquatrane, which uses a dose that is 60% lower than other agents, potentially addressing concerns about kidney problems. Research suggests that myelin-coated nerves may be more vulnerable to inflammatory damage than uncoated ones, opening new avenues for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. A study recommends starting MS treatment with high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to achieve better outcomes, challenging the practice of prescribing less-effective DMTs as first-line treatments.
With over 20 disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) available for multiple sclerosis (MS), choosing the right one can be overwhelming. However, there are tools available to help. The Barts-MS tool and MS Society UK tool both ask users questions to narrow down the list of DMTs based on their preferences and concerns. Information cards, created by a neurologist and medical student, provide comprehensive information about specific DMTs. Ultimately, the decision should be a collaboration between the patient and their neurologist.
Nassira Powell, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018, decided to pursue alternative self-care before going on a disease-modifying therapy (DMT). She changed her lifestyle, including going gluten- and dairy-free, increasing her daily vegetable intake, and taking supplements recommended by her naturopath. She also researched the Wahls Protocol and MS Hope. In five years of managing her MS naturally, she has only had one flare-up. She advises anyone just starting their MS journey or looking to try an alternative approach to spend time researching the topic and believe in themselves to make the right choice for them.