Biomarkers in multiple sclerosis

Anu Paul, Manuel Comabella, Roopali Gandhi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative autoimmune disease with a complex clinical course characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal degeneration. Diagnosis of MS most commonly includes finding lesions in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In recent years, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of available treatments for MS. An optimal treatment is usually based on a personalized approach determined by an individual patient’s prognosis and treatment risks. Biomarkers that can predict disability progression, monitor ongoing disease activity, and assess treatment response are integral in making important decisions regarding MS treatment. This review describes MS biomarkers that are currently being used in clinical practice; it also reviews and consolidates published findings from clinically relevant potential MS biomarkers in recent years. The work also discusses the challenges of validating and application of biomarkers in MS clinical practice.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbera029058
JournalCold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine
Volume9
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2019
Externally publishedYes

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