Early MS treatments impact relapses and brain scarring differently, but not disability
Therapy targeting the immune system's B cells might offer better odds against relapses in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study reports. People taking IV drugs that lower immune B-cell levels had a 62% lower rate of relapse than those taking pills frequently prescribed for early MS, the study team found.
A new study examines the effects of various early treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) on relapse rates and brain scarring. Patients were divided into four groups based on their initial treatment, including B-cell-depleting therapies, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, and no treatment.
Results showed that patients receiving B-cell-depleting therapies had a significantly lower relapse rate compared to those on pills, with an average of 0.04 relapses per year versus 0.16, respectively. B-cell-depleting therapies were also linked to a slight reduction in brain lesion development compared to pill treatments. However, disability progression was similar across all treatment groups within two years of diagnosis.
B-cell-depleting therapies were also associated with higher patient retention rates, with 94% of patients continuing the treatment after two years, compared to 87% on high-efficacy therapies, 72% on pills, 63% on no treatment, and 61% on injectable medications. After two years, researchers found no differences in disability scores or blood markers of brain damage between the treatment groups.
The study's senior researcher, Dr. Fredrik Piehl, highlighted the importance of considering individual patient characteristics when selecting treatment options, as the findings suggest that certain therapies may be more effective in reducing relapse rates and brain lesions. However, he also emphasized that no single treatment will be optimal for everyone and that further research is needed to determine long-term outcomes.
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