ECTRIMS 2022 Highlights Podcast

In this episode (24:48 min), Medicom’s correspondent covers 6 presentations from ECTRIMS held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 26-28 October 2022, with an extra interview one of the speakers, Dr Ilse Nauta, from the Free University in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

1. MS associated with a broader Epstein-Barr virus specific, T-cell receptor repertoire
   New research suggests that not only is MS preceded by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, but it is also associated with a broader EBV-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. This is consistent with the assumption that there is an ongoing aberrant immune response to EBV in MS patients. Alternatively, it could be the remnant of a disease-triggering event or an ongoing CD8 immune response to EBV.
2. Cognitive rehab and mindfulness reduce cognitive complaints in MS
   In a randomised-controlled trial, cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) had short-term positive effects on cognitive complaints in MS patients. In the long term, CRT helped to improve personalised cognitive goals and MBCT processing speed.
3. Ravulizumab significantly reduces relapses in AQP4+ NMOSD
   Treatment with ravulizumab was highly effective in reducing the risk of relapse in patients with anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4+ NMOSD). No relapses were observed over a median follow-up of 73.5 weeks in the open-label, phase 3, externally-controlled CHAMPION-NMOSD trial of ravulizumab.
4. Dimethyl fumarate reduces risk of a first clinical event in RIS
   For the first time, a randomised, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated beneficial effects of a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in preventing a first acute clinical event in people with a radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS). In the ARISE trial, dimethyl fumarate reduced this risk by over 80%.
5. New data on the safety of anti-CD20 mAbs around pregnancy
   A new study suggests B-cell depleting anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as ocrelizumab may be safe when used before or during the first trimester of pregnancy and/or during lactation. Anti-CD20 mAbs do not seem to have a depleting effect on the physiological B-cell development in exposed infants. Exposure in the second or third trimester can lead to B-cell depletion.
6. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation versus DMTs
   From observational, single-arm cohorts, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is known to be highly efficacious in MS patients with highly active disease. Results of a new study comparing AHSCT to various highly efficacious, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) reveal it to be superior to fingolimod and comparable with ocrelizumab and natalizumab therapy in the prevention of relapses.

Enjoy listening!



Posted on 15 November, 202227 March, 2024