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Happy New Year!
Highlights from an Article that reviews how the field of MS has progressed in 2011
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This is an exciting time in the field of MS-the advent of new oral disease modifying therapies, and research into rehabilitative strategies in MS is at an all time high. Many important research articles were published in 2011.
Weinstock-Guttman and Ramanathan published an article which highlights the major advances in the MS field during 2011. They highlight the promise of the disease modifying therapy Teriflunomide, discuss novel MRI techniques, and highlight the link between high LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides and low Vit D levels as potential risk factors in progression of MS.( Nat Rev Neurol. 2012 Jan 10)
Werneke et. al published an article that describes their wellness program for people with MS. Their wellness program consisted of a 5 hour session once a week for 12 weeks in which patients did exercise and had educational sessions. They saw improvements in fatigue, decrease in fear avoidance of activity, decrease in pain and depression.
(International journal of MS Care. 2011 Winter)
Comment:
From a rehabilitation medicine standpoint, it is promising to see studies that try to show objective improvements from wellness interventions. A limitation of this article is that the outcome measures were patient reported (subjective) and thus, may prone to bias. Our MS Wellness exercise program and group skills/pyschology course are strengths of our MS Center. This exercise research study utilizes the 25ft timed walk and functional reach test ( balance measure) as objective outcome tools as well as looking into psychosocial functioning and fatigue.
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MS Center Highlight | |
MS Research Team
Included in the comprehensive MS center is our integrated research team. We have 6 coordinators who work with patients throughout their research experience. We currently have 11 open clinical research trials that are focused on helping MS patients with their disease modifying therapy, pain, rehabilitation, spasticity, cognition, and walking. The Center plans on including 6 more studies that are on the horizon.
Various flyers are around the MS center (white board in the waiting room, clinic rooms) that highlight the research trials that are enrolling.
Feel free to ask about any research trial that you have an interest in possibly joining.
Appointments are made through the main MS Center number at 206-320-2200. |
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MS Center Research | |
Secondary Progressive MS:
A phase III trial of Tysabri (natalizumab) for patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis is upcoming. Because Tysabri is approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS, this trial may offer SPMS patients a novel therapeutic opportunity.
Pain in MS: The PRIME trial randomizes patients with neuropathic pain to take dextromethorphan/quinidine (currently FDA approved for the use of pseudobulbar palsy in MS) as a means to reduce their pain on a 10 point pain scale as the primary outcome measure.
B cell studies: The MS Center is involved in several studies of two new agents that are directed against B cells. The OPERA study is a phase 3 investigation of ocrelizumab compared to interferon in patients with relapsing MS. Another study, the GEN414 study, is a phase 2 investigation of ofatumumab in patients with relapsing MS. It will investigate the effects of the medication on MRI.
Patients interested in any of our research studies can contact the main clinic number at (206) 320-2200 and ask to be connected to the research department.
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Construction Progress on Swedish MS Center |
Construction began on the new MS Center on November 7. The new center will still be located in the Jefferson Tower, where it will occupy the entire A floor (between 1st and ground floors). The demolition phase is complete and work is progressing on installing electrical, ventilation and plumbing. There are installing drywall. A big excitement of this clinic is that there will be specific conference room space to hold educational sessions.
You can support the new center by making a gift to help people living with MS in the Puget Sound region. To support the expanded MS Center, contact Kate Purcell, Director, Major Gifts; Direct line: 206-386-3194; Email: kate.purcell@swedish.org |
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Multiple Sclerosis News Digest | |
MS and vitamin D gene: The gene CYP27B1 is one of many that help regulate vitamin D levels in the body. A rare variant of this gene has been linked to MS. Few people with MS have this variant of the gene, so it is not the cause of the disease. However, it suggests that vitamin D may play a role in the disease as one of many factors that influence the risk of getting MS. Link for more information
Third phase 3 study on Gilenya: Preliminary results of the third phase 3 study of Gilenya were released last week. These results confirm the effectiveness of the medicine. Safety and side effects were broadly consistent with prior studies. Link for more information |
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Multiple Sclerosis Center Events | |
Eastern Washington Clinic Days: The clinic has designated days especially for patients visiting from Eastern Washington. This makes it easier to share the trip with friends or carpool.
Annual Swedish MS Center Art Show: The third annual MS Center Art Show is planned for May/June 2012. Artists, start planning your artwork for the event!
MS Roadshow visits Olympia: The MS Center, in conjunction with the National MS Society, will present the MS Roadshow on 2/25/12 from 12:45 to 5:00PM at the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia. Link for details |
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