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 MS Research Update
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Leukemia treatment shows promise in MS
Results of two clinical trials of Alemtuzumab published in November reported encouraging results for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Alemtuzumab works by binding to immune cells, stopping them from entering the brain and attacking myelin.
The first trial, CARE-MS I, compared alemtuzumab to beta interferon in patients who had not been treated with any other disease modifying therapies (DMTs). Results showed alemtuzumab was twice as effective as beta interferon at reducing relapse rates, but with more side effects and no reduced disability. In the second trial, CARE-MS II, researchers compared treatment with alemtuzumab in patients previously using beta interferon or glatiramer acetate who had at least one relapse during treatment. After two years, a third of the alemtuzumab group relapsed compared to half on beta interferon. Disability increased in 20% of the beta interferon group compared with 13% of the alemtuzumab group.
Alemtuzumab was originally developed to treat certain types of leukemia and lymphoma and licensed under the name Campath. After early trials of Campath in RRMS patients showed promising results, some neurologists began prescribing it to their patients. In September, the manufacturer of Campath surrendered its license and applied for a new one to treat MS, which could come at a higher price. The medication is expected to be called Lemtrada if it is approved to treat RRMS.
Comments:
Alemtuzumab is an exciting new therapy that should be available in about a year. It will be particularly useful in patients with rapidly worsening disease or those with MS attacks that are not controlled with other treatments. Side effects must be weighed when considering the use of this medication. These include thyroid and blood clotting (platelet) disorders. The pharmaceutical company is expected to file the application for alemtuzumab with the FDA in the next few months. The FDA will then review the application, which could take up to a year. The Swedish MS Center participated in one of the studies of this medication. It is exciting to contribute to research that has led to another treatment option for people with MS.
James Bowen, M.D.
Neurologist
Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish Neurosciences Institute
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MS Center Research
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Vaccine to Treat MS
Expanded research of what has been called "a vaccine for multiple sclerosis" is beginning at the MS Center. Tclena is a T-cell immunotherapy for the treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). It is designed to reduce or functionally weaken T-cells that turn and attack myelin.
The vaccine is made by taking blood from the patient, isolating T cells from this blood, and altering the T cells. The patient's altered T cells are then given back to them by injection. These altered T cells are then able to rebalance the immune system. Researchers hope that this vaccine will change the course of autoimmune activity and stop patients' T cells from attacking myelin. SPMS and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients in phase I clinical trials experienced stabilization of their disease progress and less relapses, with very few and mild side effects.
SPMS is characterized by a steady increase of irreversible disability, despite, in some cases, reversible relapses, remissions or plateaus. Therapies available for RRMS have not been effective in SPMS. Only one product, mitoxantrone, is approved for SPMS. However, it carries significant risks of heart problems and cancer.
Learn more about our research and clinical trials, or call an MS Center research coordinator at (206) 320-2200.
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Seasonal Celebration this Friday
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The MS Center will host a holiday celebration for people with MS and their families on December 21st from noon-3 p.m. The MS Center welcomes everyone living with MS to come, enjoy refreshments and music, and experience some holiday cheer. Our staff will even help wrap last-minute gifts (limit 5, please).
For more information, contact the MS Center
at 206-320-2200.
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MS Center News
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MS Center Wins International Award for
Design in Health-Care
The MS Center and its design firm, Callison, was awarded "Winner in Class for Design IN Healthcare" by the International Interior Design Association's (IIDA) Northern Pacific Chapter. INawards are a competition for excellence in interior design and innovation judged by design professionals throughout Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Alberta and British Columbia.
The MS Center was designed to meet the various physical and emotional needs of the multiple sclerosis community, including better accessibility and interaction with the environment. IIDA selected the Center for improving patient experience through evidence-based design and nature's power to heal.
The 14,500 square foot MS Center consolidates a comprehensive health care team to treat MS. It includes an outdoor therapy terrace, multipurpose studio, open waiting room, exercise gym, research offices and 16 patient exam rooms. Hallmarks of the Center are the living plant wall in the entryway and a unique outdoor therapy terrace with a harness system to help patients safely practice walking on different surfaces.
[HS]2 Learns about Multiple Sclerosis
As part of the HS[2] program, area high school students visited the MS Center for an afternoon of experiential learning in neurology and multiple sclerosis.
With hands on demonstrations, Dr. Pavle Repovic taught students neurology concepts (reflex, motor, sensory pathways) and how they related to multiple sclerosis. Bobbie Severson, ARNP, and MS Center nurses and medical assistants created workstations with supplies that copy common symptoms of MS to help students better understand the sensations patients often feel.
[HS]2 is an outreach program with the purpose of educating high school students about careers in medicine. The program is sponsored in part by Dr. Marc Mayberg, Chief Medical Director of the Swedish Neuroscience Institute, and his wife, Terry.
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MS News Digest
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Nanoparticles Stop MS in Mice
Researchers from Northwestern University reported a breakthrough in nanotechnology and multiple sclerosis.
In the study, nanoparticles made of the same material
used for biodegradable stitches acted as vehicles in mice
for antigens that trick the immune system to stop
attacking myelin.
The myelin sheath is the insulation on the communication pathways between the brain and body that is damaged by multiple sclerosis, causing MS symptoms. Researchers say nanoparticles allow other immune functions to remain intact, unlike other disease modifying therapies that suppress the immune system and raise patients' chances for infections and cancer.
Further study is needed to determine whether the treatment is safe and effective in humans, which researchers say could take several years. Read the abstract.
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MS Center Events
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Seasonal Celebration
Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 | 12 - 3 p.m. | MS Center at Swedish
Join us to celebrate the season with refreshments, music and holiday cheer. Non-Swedish patients are welcome.
MS Roadshow, Tacoma
Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 | 12:30 - 5 p.m. | Courtyard Marriott Downtown, Tacoma
Experts from the MS Center present this free traveling workshop of multiple sclerosis education and information. Register at swedish.org/MSRoadshow.
Patient Exercise Hours
Mondays, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | MS Center
A free, convenient and safe way to work out with MS. Please call to sign up.
Beginner's Gentle Yoga
Tuesdays, Jan. 8-Feb. 12 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | MS Center
Free and open to non-Swedish patients and caregivers/partners. Call to register.
Stretch & Strengthen Yoga
Thursdays, Jan. 10 - Feb. 14 | 5:30 - 7 p.m. | MS Center
A more vigorous yoga workout for people living with MS. Requires ability to transition between standing and the floor without assistance. Open to non-Swedish patients. $12/class or $60/series. Call to register.
Music Therapy
Thursdays, Jan. 10 - Mar. 7 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. | MS Center
Free and open to non-Swedish patients and caregivers/partners. Call to register.
For a full calendar of events for patients and medical professionals, visit the Programs and Events page. To register for a class, contact Kate Floyd, 206.991.2099.
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