The following course is based on a talk presented at the Serono Symposia International Foundation event The changing face of MS: Understanding populations, treating individuals which took place in Berlin, Germany, on February 23-24, 2008.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In multiple sclerosis management drugs are available with a good efficacy and safety/balance, in particular in the less severe forms of the disease. However, some unmet needs remain, such as late access to treatment of many patients at the early stages of the disease or the lack of response in more severe forms. While we are waiting for future options that will be offered by drugs now under investigation, specialists may exploit available treatments in order to optimize outcomes.

This course is a unique opportunity to acquire a comprehensive update on alternative strategies suggested to improve the response to multiple sclerosis treatments. Based on his wide experience, Professor Comi here reviews data on the early initiation of pharmacological therapy, the induction approach - as an alternative to the traditional escalating one, and combined treatments, including immunosuppressive compounds.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this course participants will have a greater understanding of:    

• Rationale and efficacy of early treatment in MS;
• Pros and cons of the induction approach, compared to the escalating approach;
• Efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive compounds, alone or combined with usual multiple sclerosis treatments.