Update on the treatment options for multiple sclerosis

Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2010 Jan;6(1):77-88. doi: 10.1586/eci.09.75.

Abstract

Recent progress in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) is remarkable, and the introduction of new therapies is yielding improvements in the management of MS. Furthermore, clinical trials with many different types of agents, especially selected monoclonal antibodies, have been undertaken or are ongoing, and some of the agents involved will probably be available as treatments for MS in the near future. Although these new and promising agents include targeted immunotherapies, some of them have limitations such as associated severe adverse events and the development of neutralizing antibodies. With regard to risk-benefit ratios, pharmacogenetics could shed light on inherited differences in drug metabolism and response, which would make individualized therapy possible in MS. Here, we review the recent progress in current therapeutic strategies for MS, and the potential options for future MS treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / surgery
  • Patient Selection
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Immunosuppressive Agents