Metabolomic Predictors of MS Outcomes
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common disabling neurological diseases in young adults, and its incidence is rapidly increasing worldwide. A major challenge in MS is that the disease course and response to treatment are extremely variable and unpredictable, and probably related to poorly known dietary and other modifiable factors. We therefore propose a comprehensive investigation of molecules circulating in blood to identify early in the disease those patients at risk of faster progression and in need of more aggressive treatment. This proposed study addresses FY17 MSRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award Focus Area: Biological Correlates of Disease Activity and Progression in MS. The study will take advantage of data and blood samples that have been previously collected among participants in a large randomized trial. These participants have been followed for up to 11 years, so we will be able to identify those patients with unfavorable long term outcomes. By applying state-of-the-art methods for determining the amount of different molecules in blood we expect to be able to identify those individuals who are at high risk of poor response to treatment and severe disease progression. By doing so, we will be able to treat patients at high risk with more aggressive drugs, while using safer medications for patients with more benign disease. The results of the proposed study will apply to all patients with relapsing remitting MS, which accounts for above 90% of all cases of MS. Before being translated into clinical practice, the results of the proposed study will need to be independently validated in a separate population to demonstrate the validity and generalizability of the findings. We expect that this process will take 2-3 years from the end of the proposed project.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810341
Entities
People
- Alberto Ascherio
Organizations
- President and Fellows of Harvard College
- United States Army