Therapeutic options in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) have broadened notably over the past years, especially for relapsing-remitting forms of MS. The revision of the diagnostic criteria simplified and accelerated MS diagnosis, definitions of disease courses were operationalized focussing on disease activity and progression as major determinants. The paradigm of an early treatment initiation is accepted and evidence-based. All these aspects have led to an increasing complexity of therapeutic decision making. Besides a benefit-risk-evaluation for each substance, individual patient-related factors have to be considered, e.g. life and family planning. This article reviews new and established disease-modifying drugs in the context of disease courses and stages and benefit-risk-considerations.
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