ECTRIMS 2021 originally planned to take place in Vienna, the premier annual event convening researchers, clinicians and other healthcare providers interested and involved in MS and related disorders such as NMOSD or MOGAD, for the second time was entirely virtual. It provided a fully digital experience to disseminate the latest and exciting topics in MS research to the world. The extensive scientific programme included talks and e-posters on a broad range of clinical developments, pathology and pathogenesis of the disease, novel biomarkers, and, of course, treatments - from phase 1 through phase 4 trials, real world observations and comprehensive registry data. Very topically the impact of COVID-19 on MS and its management was extensively discussed.
This Conference Report aims to contribute to the dissemination. We have summarised a selection of presentations covering all topics mentioned.
The long-awaited update of the ECTRIMS/EAN joint guideline for the treatment of patients with MS was presented for the first time. Taking into account advances made over the past 3-4 years, it aims to provide guidance to clinicians in their choice and timing of disease-modifying therapy. The 2 societies also joined forces to write a consensus statement on COVID-19 vaccination in MS patients.
Out-of-the-box thinking leads to experimental treatments such as ATA188 immunotherapy and mesenchymal stem cell therapy. More classical approaches and long-term data on established drugs are also featured.
An interesting study described differences between healthy controls and MS patients with an EDSS score of 0, highlighting the limits to our early disease detection. To this end, and also to monitor treatment efficacy and follow disease progression, novel biomarkers are always welcomed. An ELISA assay detecting myelin lipid antigens showed promising first results. Flumazenil PET may have clinical applicability in MS patients with cognitive impairment. It may further our knowledge of the involvement of microglia in driving the disease process in particular during the progresssive stages. A number of studies have reinforced the importance of serum NfL as a fluid phase biomarker relevant to diagnosis, prognosis, gauging disease activity and detecting response to therapy. It still has not entered the realm of individual clinical management.
A separate chapter is dedicated to NMOSD, including a systematic comparison study of the 3 novel monoclonal antibody treatments.
Clearly ECTRIMS 2021 has again conveyed the excitement of gaining deeper insight into the causes, courses and treatments for MS and related CNS demyelinating diseases.
We hope you will enjoy the Report!
Kind regards,
Prof Hans-Peter Hartung
Posted on
Table of Contents: ECTRIMS 2021
Featured articles
Preliminary data shows positive results of ATA188 for progressive MS
COVID-19
MS patients at risk of hampered immune response after vaccination
Immunotherapy in MS does not influence COVID-19 severity and mortality
Anti-CD20 antibodies associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes
ECTRIMS-EAN consensus on vaccination in MS patients
Experimental Treatments
The role of astrocyte phenotypes in acute MS lesions
Promising results of intrathecal MSC-NTF cells in progressive MS
Preliminary data shows positive results of ATA188 for progressive MS
Evobrutinib reduces relapses and MRI lesion activity
Primary endpoint of opicinumab for relapsing MS not met in AFFINITY trial
Elezanumab did not outperform placebo in progressive and relapsing MS
Ibudilast reduced retinal atrophy in primary progressive MS
Treatment Trials and Strategies
ECTRIMS/EAN Clinical Guidelines on MS treatment: an update
Rituximab most effective initial MS therapy in Swedish real-world study
Ublituximab meets primary endpoint for relapsing MS
Dynamic scoring system aids decision to switch MS therapies early
Long-term suppression of MRI disease activity with ocrelizumab
Stopping DMT: when or if at all?
Biomarkers
Early predictors of disability progression in paediatric-onset MS
High-sensitive biomarker detection in MS via novel ELISA assay
Cortical lesions predict cognitive impairment 20 years after MS diagnosis
Applicability of sNfL measurement in clinical practice
MRI more sensitive for disease activity than relapses in SPMS
Imaging
Changes in GABA-receptor binding among cognitively impaired MS patients
T2 lesions independently predict early conversion to SPMS
Natural killer-like CD8+ T cells as a reservoir of clonal cells related to MS activity
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)
Eculizumab, satralizumab, or inebilizumab for NMOSD?
Long-term efficacy of satralizumab for NMOSD
Long-term efficacy data: inebilizumab for NMOSD
Progressive MS
Charcot Award 2021: Progressive MS, a personal perspective
Top score poster: Meta-analysis on the effect of DMTs
Cortical lesions predict disease progression and disability accumulation
Ocrelizumab shows long-term benefits in primary progressive MS
Other
WNT9B-gene variant associated with doubled relapse risk in MS
Melatonin associated with improved sleep quality in MS patients
“Expanded Disability Status Scale 0 is not normal”
Personality trait alterations in MS patients
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