Exploring Blood-Based Biomarkers and Treatment Eligibility in Alzheimer Disease: Gil Rabinovici, MD

WATCH TIME: 7 minutes

"The consensus of the committee ultimately was that the blood-based biomarkers are very close, and maybe in the near future, a positive blood-based biomarker would be sufficient to establish eligibility for treatment. But we're not quite there yet."

Alzheimer disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, affects millions globally and remains a leading cause of dementia. Characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss, AD poses significant challenges to patients, families, and healthcare systems. Advancements in diagnostic tools and treatments could be crucial to managing this complex condition effectively. In recent research, studies have focused on the potential of blood-based biomarkers to streamline AD diagnostics and treatment eligibility.

These biomarkers could offer a less invasive alternative to positron emission tomography (PET) scans and spinal taps, which are currently used to detect amyloid plaques and other indicators. However, variability in performance and the lack of FDA approval limit their immediate application. As new treatments emerge, such as those targeting amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), rigorous patient monitoring, including frequent MRIs, may be essential to mitigate risks and ensure efficacy.

At the 2024 Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference, held October 29 to November 1, in Madrid, Spain, attendee Gil Rabinovici, MD, delved further into the evolving landscape of AD diagnostics and treatment protocols in an interview with NeurologyLive^®. In the conversation, Rabinovici, a professor of neurology and radiology at University of California, San Francisco, spoke about the potential of blood-based biomarkers to revolutionize treatment eligibility, the current reliance on PET and cerebrospinal fluid tests, and the importance of safety monitoring to manage risks like ARIA. Overall, he shed more light on the challenges and opportunities in advancing care for patients with AD.

Click here for more coverage of CTAD 2024.