Prediction in treatment outcomes in multiple sclerosis: challenges and recent advances.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system with a course dependent on early treatment response. Increasing evidence also suggests that despite eliminating disease activity (relapses and lesions), many patients continue to accrue disability, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive definition of treatment success. Optimizing disability outcome measures, as well as continuously improving our understanding of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative biomarkers is required. AREAS COVERED This review describes the challenges inherent in classifying and monitoring disease phenotype in MS. The review also provides an assessment of clinical, radiological, and blood biomarker tools for current and future practice. EXPERT OPINION Emerging MRI techniques and standardized patient outcome assessments will increase the accuracy of initial diagnosis and understanding of disease progression.