This year’s most-read articles on multiple sclerosis (MS) explored the emergence of new medications, modes of therapy, and predictive tools in the study of MS.
The top 5 most-read multiple sclerosis (MS) articles and interviews on AJMC.com this year included news on the progress of treatment options in MS, expert insights into the new mechanisms at work in novel treatments, and biomarker discoveries to better anticipate patient outcomes.
Here are the top-5 MS pieces of 2023.
5. Cognitive Benefits in Multiple Sclerosis Seen After Transcranial Current Stimulation
One of the core symptoms of MS is cognitive impairment. To broaden the scope of treatment for these effects, this study evaluated frontal theta-transcranial alternating current stimulation and found that a single session could improve cognitive function in patients with MS. This article was originally published by NeurologyLive®.
4. Internet-Based CBT Effective for Treating MS-Related Depression, Study Finds
Depression is a very common symptom that arises in patients who are enduring inflammatory or neurological disorders. In a phase 3 trial, researchers observed the impact of stand-alone and therapist-guided therapy done remotely and found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was an effective method for combatting depressive symptoms for patients with MS.
3. Dr Erik Wallstroem and Tom Snow Highlight New MS Treatments Aimed at Smoldering Inflammation
In this interview, Erik Wallstroem, MD, PhD, global head of development, neurology and ophthalmology, and Tom Snow, global franchise head, neurology and rare blood disorders, both at Sanofi, discussed the recent development and approval of 3 novel treatments in MS: tolebrutinab, frexalimab, and SAR443820 (RIPK1i). The designs of these therapies aim to infiltrate the central nervous system and affect smoldering inflammation at its source.
2. Oral N-Acetylglucosamine Treatment Benefits Management of MS, Study Finds
Directly addressing the inflammation present in patients with MS is not enough to stimulate necessary myelin repair. N-acetylglucosamine has emerged as a promising supplement in MS treatment. This study demonstrated its efficacy in tackling and improving patients’ abilities to manage inflammation and immune responses stemming from their MS.
1. Timing of Neurofilament Light Changes May Predict Multiple Sclerosis Worsening
In this study, neurofilament light changes exhibited promise as a biomarker of progression in MS. Researchers found that elevations in neurofilament light levels were linked to patterns of disability worsening in patients with MS. These changes were predictive of disease worsening approximately 1 year in advance. This article was originally published by NeurologyLive.
Diagnostic Oversights Limit Luspatercept Benefits in MDS
May 8th 2024Investigators of a retrospective study encourage colleagues to utilize molecular testing for patients with an established diagnosis of lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), to be sure they don’t miss out on treatments, like luspatercept, for which they qualify.
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CMS Medicare Final Rule: Advancing Benefits, Competition, and Consumer Protection
May 7th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Karen Iapoce, senior director of government products and programs at ZeOmega, about the recent CMS final rule on Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage.
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Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Joint Commission is launching the Rural Health Clinic Accreditation Program to standardize staff training and patient care practices at rural health clinics nationwide; the American Cancer Society recently launched the largest-ever study of cancer risk and outcomes in Black women; the HHS COVID-19 vaccination campaign saved $732 billion by preventing illness and related costs.
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