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Consensus statement: evaluation of new and existing therapeutics for pediatric multiple sclerosis

T Chitnis1, S Tenembaum, B Banwell

  • 1Partners Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. tchitnis@partners.org

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|December 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) management needs defined guidelines. The International Pediatric MS Study Group developed consensus recommendations for existing and emerging disease-modifying therapies in children and adolescents with MS.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • The efficacy of new multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies in adults is established, but their role in pediatric MS remains undefined.
  • Regulatory requirements for pediatric investigation plans present an opportunity to gather crucial data for treating young MS patients.
  • Challenges in pediatric MS research include small patient populations and the need for efficient, comprehensive study designs.

Framework:

  • The International Pediatric MS Study Group (IPMSSG) conducted a structured review of existing disease-modifying therapies in pediatric MS.
  • A consensus statement was developed through a structured review and modified by IPMSSG members via an online survey.
  • Fifty-one IPMSSG members from 21 countries participated, with 50 approving the final consensus statement.

Implementation:

  • Consensus recommendations address the use of current first- and second-line therapies for pediatric MS.
  • A proposed definition for inadequate treatment response in pediatric MS is presented.
  • Recommendations for evaluating emerging therapies, including those in Phase III trials or recently approved for adults, are discussed.

Implications:

  • The IPMSSG advocates for including pediatric MS patients in clinical trials for new and emerging therapies.
  • High-impact, multicenter studies with long-term follow-up are essential for advancing pediatric MS therapeutics.
  • Ensuring equitable access to therapeutic advancements for all MS patients, regardless of age, is a key goal.

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