What is it about?
Considering the high prevalence of multiple sclerosis and the potentially devastating long-term complications, resulting in progressive neurodegeneration and neurological disability, we extensive discussed etiopathogenetic mechanism, clinical features, and diagnosis, thus providing a deeper knowledge on the current notions about the disease. Moreover, we focused our attention on the existing therapeutic approaches for the management of multiple sclerosis, that is aimed to reduce relapse frequency, ameliorate symptoms, and prevent clinical disability and progression. We, also, performed an overview on future innovative approaches, including neuroprotective treatments as anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody and cell therapies, for an effective and safe management of multiple sclerosis, potentially leading to a cure for this disease.
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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Why is it important?
The work comprehensively and organically addresses the peculiar aspects of multiple sclerosis, which represents one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century due to its high disease burden and overwhelming impact on global health care systems. The uniqueness lies in the in depth description of approved treatments and most widely used, the analysis of their clinical trials and their implications for disease management. Furthermore, the most promising therapeutic approaches currently under investigation are extensively explored.
Perspectives
Nowadays, only a few drugs have been authorised for the treatment of progressive forms, which indeed appear rather resistant to current therapeutic options. At the same time, the absence of a curative therapy, representing the main unmet medical need, as well as the difficulty in MS management, are attributable, at least in part, to its multifactorial etiopathogenesis, characterized by the coexistence of genetic and environmental factors, as well as the adaptive and evolving nature of the immune system, which keeps changing in relation to time and age. Therefore, to date, early intervention following early diagnosis appears to be the most effective approach to control neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration that characterise the progression of MS, while using the most effective medication for each patient.
Carlo Maria Bellanca
University of Catania
It is my hope that our work will be of benefit not only to the scientific community, but also to those new to the field who are interested in a deeper understanding of one of today's most significant challenges for health systems. I believe it can be an opportunity to raise questions and reflect on the impact on the individuals involved, including those who act as unpaid caregivers. Ultimately, I hope it will be as enjoyable and readable as it was for me to complete it with my longest-standing collaborator.
Egle Augello
Universita degli Studi di Catania
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Disease Modifying Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis: New Rays of Hope to
Combat Disability?, Current Neuropharmacology, July 2024, Bentham Science Publishers,
DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666240124114126.
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