Latest Updates and Future Directions in Multiple Sclerosis Care: Kathleen Costello, CRNP, MSCN

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"I think the next 5 to 10 years will be even more revolutionary as we develop better treatments, better care options for people, and a better understanding for a more personalized approach so that the right drug is given to the right person at the right time."

Keeping pace with research findings and updates in clinical practice can be an important aspect of managing a complex disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS) for health care providers. In April 2025, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) released its updated publication to its best practice statements on aspects of MS care. This notable update was developed by an expert faculty panel chaired by Fred D. Lublin, MD, Saunders Family Professor of Neurology and Director of the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.¹

For the best practices, Lublin and an expert panel reviewed recent studies, current research, and emerging treatment trends to develop a practical guide addressing key questions for MS care providers. The update covered several topics including evolving diagnostic and prognostic approaches in MS, the use of serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, recently approved and emerging therapies, recommended vaccinations, management of pediatric-onset MS, care considerations for older adults with MS, and the pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease.

These developments in MS care were further highlighted at the 2025 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress, held September 24-26, in Barcelona, Spain. Kathleen Costello, CRNP, MSCN, interim chief executive officer at CMSC, sat down for an interview during the meeting, and reflected on the rapid changes observed in MS care over the past decades. In the discussion, she emphasized the ongoing unmet need in progressive MS, and highlighted the potential of emerging therapies. Costello also discussed the significance of the updated diagnostic criteria, MRI markers, and serum biomarkers in supporting more accurate diagnosis.

Click here for more coverage of ECTRIMS 2025.

REFERENCES
1. Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers releases 2025 expert panel document on best practices in MS management. News Release. Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. Published April 17, 2025. Accessed September 24, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1080858