Risks and benefits of multiple sclerosis therapies: Need for continual assessment?

Bernd C. Kieseier, Heinz Wiendl, Hans Peter Hartung, Verena Isabell Leussink, Olaf Stüve

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The aim is to describe and discuss the ongoing debate on how to balance an increase in clinical efficacy against a heightened risk of developing serious side-effects, as has surfaced recently with some novel therapies for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Recent Findings: New therapies are emerging that differ with regard to their mechanism of action, their mode of administration, their side-effect profile and the clinical benefits that they offer to patients in comparison with established therapeutic modalities in multiple sclerosis. Treating physicians will need to make choices on the best treatments for their patients on the basis of limited experience. This process requires optimal assessment of risks and benefits. Summary: Careful assessment of the risk-benefit profile of the various options may allow treatment choices and perhaps ensure that patients obtain the most benefit from treatment without being exposed to unnecessary risk.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)238-243
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent opinion in neurology
Volume24
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2011

Keywords

  • benefit
  • immunotherapy
  • multiple sclerosis
  • risk
  • treatment choices

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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