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Update on Multiple Sclerosis Molecular Biomarkers to Monitor Treatment Effects
Viviana Nociti1,2, Marina Romozzi1, Massimiliano Mirabella1,2
1Institute of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'Agostino Gemelli' IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by broad inter- and intraindividual heterogeneity. The relapse rate, disability progression, and lesion load assessed through MRI are used to detect disease activity and response to treatment. Although it is possible to standardize these characteristics in larger patient groups, so far, this has been difficult to achieve in individual patients. Easily detectable molecular biomarkers can be powerful tools, permitting a tailored therapy approach for MS patients. However, only a few molecular biomarkers have been routinely used in clinical practice as the validation process, and their transfer into clinical practice takes a long time. This review describes the characteristics of an ideal MS biomarker, the challenges of establishing new biomarkers, and promising molecular biomarkers from blood or CSF samples used to monitor MS treatment effects in clinical practice.
Insights
Developing molecular biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS) is crucial for personalized treatment. This review discusses ideal biomarker characteristics and promising candidates for monitoring MS therapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous inflammatory and neurodegenerative central nervous system disease.
- Current disease monitoring relies on relapse rates, disability progression, and MRI, which are difficult to standardize for individual patients.
- Tailored therapy for MS requires easily detectable molecular biomarkers, but few are in clinical use due to lengthy validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics of an ideal multiple sclerosis biomarker.
- To outline the challenges in establishing new biomarkers for MS.
- To review promising molecular biomarkers in blood or CSF for monitoring MS treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on multiple sclerosis biomarkers.
- Analysis of criteria for an ideal biomarker in MS.
- Evaluation of current and emerging molecular biomarkers for MS treatment monitoring.
Main Results:
- An ideal MS biomarker should be easily detectable and allow for tailored therapy.
- Significant challenges exist in validating and implementing new biomarkers into clinical practice.
- Several promising molecular biomarkers from blood and CSF samples are under investigation for MS monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Standardizing MS monitoring for individual patients remains a challenge.
- The development of validated molecular biomarkers is essential for personalized MS treatment.
- Further research into blood and CSF biomarkers holds promise for improving MS management.
