Optimizing MS Treatment With Timely Interventions and Individualized Care: Valentin Krüger, MD

WATCH TIME: 6 minutes

"It’s critical not to miss those opportunities to initiate timely treatment, especially for patients on the brink of losing their independence in daily life."

Research has demonstrated that initiating high-efficacy treatment (HET) early in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and related neuroinflammatory conditions can lead to better long-term outcomes. At the 2024 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress, September 18-20, in Copenhagen, Denmark, a presented study focused on the key factors associated with delays in HET initiation. Using retrospective health record data from 160 patients at the University Hospital Frankfurt, researchers observed a significant correlation between longer treatment delays and variables such as patient age, disability levels, recent relapse history, and the number of prior disease-modifying treatments.

Additional findings, presented by lead author Valentin Krüger, MD, revealed that delays were more likely when HET was recommended prior to completing immunization status in patients with progressive disease phenotypes, those with newly diagnosed chronic conditions, or when a relapse occurred at the time of HET recommendation. The study underscored the importance of addressing these factors to reduce delays and optimize early HET initiation. Authors noted that future research may be needed to further analyze temporal trends in these dynamics and to deepen the understanding of the accumulating evidence supporting early treatment benefits.

Krüger, a neurology resident at the University Hospital Frankfurt, elaborated on the implications of the study in an interview with NeurologyLive^® during the meeting. In the discussion, he emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing the unique needs of high-risk patients with MS, such as those with advanced age or progressive disease phenotypes. In addition, Krüger highlighted the need for proactive strategies to minimize treatment delays, particularly in the context of comorbidities or external disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, he discussed the potential of emerging therapies to transform the treatment landscape for progressive MS and underscored the challenges clinicians might face in implementing these advancements effectively.

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REFERENCES
1. Krüger V, Zeltner R, Yalachkov Y. Determinants of time delay between recommendation for and start of high-efficacy treatment in Multiple Sclerosis. Presented at: 2024 ECTRIMS; September 18-20; Copenhagen, Denmark. Abstract P798.