ECTRIMS’ annual focused workshops bring together global experts in neurology to discuss relevant and timely topics of interest in MS clinical research and treatment. Participation is by invitation only. The outcomes from these programmes are often published in an internationally recognised journal.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex and heterogeneous disease with a wide range of clinical presentations and treatment responses. This variability makes it difficult to define what constitutes a “responder” to a given MS therapy. As a result, there is a lack of consensus on how to measure treatment efficacy, which can make it challenging to compare different therapies and make treatment decisions.
This workshop aimed to bring together experts in MS research and clinical practice to discuss the challenges of defining responders and non-responders in MS therapies. The goal of the workshop was to develop a set of recommendations for standardising these definitions. The specific objectives of this workshop were:
ECTRIMS has hosted a number of Focused Workshops since 2013.
The workshop aimed to review current knowledge regarding de-escalating strategies of disease modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD). It also covered physiopathological and epidemiological background justifying de-escalation and detailed specific situations regarding age, gender, disease subtype, disease form, and individual treatments. The workshop also discussed practical situations and provide recommendations for the management of de-escalating strategies and patient monitoring when de-escalating.
The workshop aimed to produce practical guidance for clinicians, patients & healthcare payers from the review of evidence & expert consensus recommendations. It served as a forum for key opinion leaders in the neurological and haematological communities across Europe to share professional/scientific developments and updates. The workshop was also expected to lead to published articles with high potential to influence and improve clinical practice & healthcare policy development.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 8th Focused Workshop was held digitally for the first time. The workshop was originally scheduled to take place in Tel Aviv, Israel in 2020. A week full of interesting workshops and live sessions was organised.
The workshop was aimed at improving our understanding of the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Many studies pertaining to this subject have been conducted in animal models of human disease. However, the results of many animal studies did not translate well in human multiple sclerosis. This may relate to a lack of appropriate models or species differences. A group of leading experts in the immunology of multiple sclerosis delivered a series of presentations on this issue.
The incidence and prevalence of MS along with the cost and complexity of its management are increasing, warranting a new MS clinical management paradigm. The use of new technologies allows different ways of communication and intervention that may increase equity, effectiveness, perception of quality of care, and cost optimisation. The latest scientific knowledge and clinical practice in this area were discussed.