In May 2017, MS/Cancer members learned about
three studies conducted on patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to help its members
stay current on MS research.
These stories are from the National MS Society
website and links are provided after each study.
Study
Finds That Cognitive Function in People with MS Improves with an Online Active
Cognitive Training Program
May 22, 2017
Summary
· In a trial funded by the National MS Society, researchers
found that a special online active cognitive training program improved
cognitive function in people with MS.
· Participants included 135 people with any type of MS who
were experiencing some cognitive problems. They used the training program for
60 hours over 12 weeks, in their own homes.
· This was the largest, controlled trial that has tested a
brain training program in people with MS. Future studies will help make clear
what types of training will have the best results, who will respond most
successfully, and how long benefits last.
· The team (Leigh Charvet, PhD, Lauren Krupp, MD, and
colleagues, now at NYU School of Medicine) published their findings in the open-access journal PLOS One on May 11,
2017.
Background: Cognitive problems
are common in people with MS. Among the cognitive functions that may be
affected are the ability to learn and remember information, to process
information quickly, and to organize, plan, and problem-solve.
Up to now there has not been an adequate treatment that successfully
meets the goal of improving the speed and accuracy of information processing to
improve performance in real-world situations. However, recent
computer/online-based training approaches to help people with cognitive
difficulties – known as adaptive cognitive remediation (ACR) programs – use
cutting-edge technology. Much of the training can be done online, making it
easier for many people to participate. ACR programs have already shown benefit
in normal aging and other disorders. The program used for this study is a
version of the online “Brain HQ Exercise” program, specifically designed for
research studies.
The Study: Participants were
1345 people with any type of MS whose cognitive testing indicated some
difficulty. They were randomly assigned to either the ACR program (74 people)
or to a training program of ordinary computer games (61 people). The
participants in the ACR program used a set of 15 exercises targeting speed,
attention, working memory, and executive function. The 61 in the control group
used a gaming suite with word puzzles and other games. Participants used these
programs for 60 hours over 12 weeks, in their own homes. The researchers
checked in with the participants regularly, and their computers were monitored
to determine their compliance with the training. The primary outcome measured
was a battery of neuropsychological tests used to measure cognitive impairment
in people with MS.
Researchers found that the people in the active brain training group had
significantly greater improvement in cognitive function, even though those in
the control group spent more time on the computer games program than the active
training group. Compliance and participation was high across both groups. The
team, Leigh Charvet, PhD, Lauren Krupp, MD, and colleagues now at NYU School of
Medicine, published their findings in the open-access journal PLOS One on May 11,
2017. (The study was conducted when the team was at Stony Brook University
Hospital, Stony Brook, NY.)
Comment: This was a well-designed
study and the largest clinical trial ever done of a brain training program in
MS. The results suggest that this kind of online training program, accessed
from home, can improve brain functioning in people who have MS. Home training
has many potential benefits: high compliance, relatively low cost, and easily
personalized programs. “The remote approach is especially exciting for the
potential of opening up participation … for individuals who are largely
home-based or who are struggling to maintain employment and reluctant to
participate in rehabilitative activities that would interfere with their work
and family time commitments,” say the researchers.
Future studies will help make clear what types of “brain training” will
have the best results, who will respond most successfully, and how long the
benefits last. The effects of depression and fatigue – common in MS and known
to influence brain functioning – also need to be taken into account.
The original story can be found at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/About-the-Society/News/Study-Finds-That-Cognitive-Function-in-People-with
Researchers Recruiting
African Americans with MS Across the U.S. for Genetics Studies – Key to finding
cause of MS and better treatments
February
6, 2017
Rationale: Genes are known to play a role in determining
who is susceptible to developing multiple sclerosis, and may also influence the
course of the disease. People living with MS can make a difference in studies
searching for these genes by donating their DNA from blood samples. Identifying
the exact location of MS genes could help determine who is at risk for
developing the disease and may provide clues to its cause, prevention, and
better treatment. Focusing on ethnic groups with lower susceptibility to MS
(such as African-Americans) and higher susceptibility (such as individuals of
Northern European descent), and searching for what is common and what is
different in their genes may help pinpoint regions that contain MS genes. Large
numbers of participants are needed to accelerate this research.
Details: It is not necessary to travel to San
Francisco to participate in this study. Once an individual has completed the initial
online intake form and has agreed to participate, they are emailed the links to
two additional online forms and sent a kit via express mail. The kit includes a
consent form, a health information privacy form, and a medical records release
form. The kit also includes everything necessary for the blood draw, which can
be taken to your local Quest Diagnostics Lab, where the blood can be drawn and
then returned in a prepaid envelope to the UCSF MS Genetics Lab. There is no
cost to the study participants.
Contact: To participate or request additional
information, complete our intake survey. Or you may contact
us directly:
Clinical Research Coordinator
UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Genetic Susceptibility Project
675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 235A, Box 3206
San Francisco, CA 94158
Email: msdb@ucsf.edu
Website: http://msgenetics.ucsf.edu/index.html
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-MS-Genes (1-866-674-3637)
The original story can be found at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/About-the-Society/News/Researchers-Recruiting-African-Americans-with-MS-a
MS
Trial Alert: Investigators Recruiting for Study of High-Dose Biotin (MD1003) in
Progressive MS
May 17, 2017
Summary: Investigators worldwide are
conducting a clinical trial testing high-dose biotin (MD1003, MedDay
Pharmaceuticals SA) versus inactive placebo in 600 people with secondary or
primary progressive MS. Participants can remain on existing disease-modifying
treatments (such as ocrelizumab), if treatment has been stable for at least 90
days prior to enrollment. The study is sponsored by MedDay.
Rationale: Biotin is considered a form
of vitamin B, and is a component of enzymes in the body that generate energy
for cells. Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is usually obtained from food in
tiny concentrations. High dose, pharmaceutical grade biotin (concentration
>10,000 times the usual daily dose, or MD1003) was tested in a clinical
trial in France involving 154 people with primary-progressive MS or
secondary-progressive MS. They were given high-dose biotin (MD1003) or inactive
placebo for 48 weeks. The results suggested that 12.6% of those given MD1003
showed improvement in disability (using either the EDSS scale that measures
disability progression, or improvement in a timed walk), versus none of those
on placebo, and there were no serious safety issues reported. (MS Journal 2016
Nov;22(13):1719-173).
Eligibility and Details: Participants
are aged 18-65 years old with a diagnosis of primary or secondary progressive
MS. Participants can remain on existing disease-modifying treatments, if
treatment has been stable for at least 90 days prior to enrollment. Further
criteria are available from the contact below.
Participants are being randomly assigned to receive a capsule of MD1003
100 mg or a placebo capsule three times daily for 15 months. When all study
participants have completed 15 months of double-blind therapy, all patient may
enter an open label extension where all participants will receive MD1003 100 mg
three times daily for 12 months.
The primary outcome being measured is the proportion of participants who
improve on either the EDSS scale that measures disability or a test that
measures mobility. Other outcomes being measured include cognitive function,
quality of life, and activity on MRI scans.
Contact: To learn more about
the enrollment criteria for this study, and to find out if you are eligible to
participate, visit www.spi2study.com or call Dr. Robert Lasser at 617-378-8701.
The original story can be found at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/About-the-Society/News/MS-Trial-Alert-Investigators-Recruiting-for-St-(2)
