Neurofilament Light Chain and Acute Gadolinium Enhancing Lesions

EP: 1.The Value of Biomarker in Multiple Sclerosis

EP: 2.Evolving Methods of Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

EP: 3.Assays to Detect Neurofilament Light

EP: 4.Challenges and Opportunity With MRI

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EP: 5.Neurofilament Light Chain and Acute Gadolinium Enhancing Lesions

EP: 6.Exploring Potential Applications of Neurofilament Light Chain in MS Prognosis and Care

EP: 7.Practical Considerations for the Use of Neurofilament Light Chain and MRI

EP: 8.How to Address Increasing Neurofilament Light Chain Levels

EP: 9.Weighing Treatment Decisions Based on Neurofilament Light Chain Levels

EP: 10.Monitoring Patients After a Change in Treatment Regimen

EP: 11.Assessing Lesion Types With MS Biomarkers

EP: 12.Neurofilament Light Chain and MS Prognosis, Treatment Effect, and Anticipation of Disease

EP: 13.The CLIMB Study

EP: 14.Reimbursement for MRI

EP: 15.Understanding the Underlying Progression of Multiple Sclerosis

EP: 16.Biomarkers, Patient Communication, and the Future of Care

EP: 17.Question and Answer about Neurofilament Light Chain and Other MS Biomarkers

Experts discuss the challenges with routine MRI usage and the potential role of serum biomarkers like neurofilament light (NFL) as an alternative. They address the correlation between serum NFL and MRI findings.

Tanuja Chitnis, MD, explains that NFL levels are elevated during acute gadolinium-enhancing lesions, with variations based on lesion size and number. Larger lesions and multiple lesions correlate with higher NFL levels. There is also regional variability, with brainstem and spinal cord lesions showing potentially higher NFL levels than lesions in the brain or optic nerve. She notes the difficulty in precisely timing NFL elevation in relation to the formation of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions. Generally, NFL is elevated for about 2 to 3 months after such lesions. A 30% increase in NFL is commonly associated with a new gadolinium-enhancing lesion, though variations exist.

Experts emphasize the complexity and variability in NFL levels and highlight the challenges in using it as a precise marker. Tanuja Chitnis, MD, expresses readiness to address practical considerations and further questions on the topic.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive® editorial staff.