Therapie der multiplen sklerose 2007

Abstract

Within the last years therapeutical concepts of MS and its forms underwent significant changes due to an improved understanding of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and results of large clinical trials, but also because several new drugs became available. For the treatment of acute relapses steroid-pulse-therapy is established. In addition, for patients with the relapsing remitting form of MS immunomodulatory drugs and for patients with secondary progressive MS immunosuppressive agents are recommended. For subgroups of MS patients special treatment procedures such as plasmapheresis may be indicated. The recent approval of natalizumab (Tysabri), a monoclonal antibody against adhesion molecules, further enriches the therapeutical repertoire for MS patients with a high disease activity. Moreover, several new drugs, partly with completely new mechanisms of action, are under evaluation or are about to be approved. This review will focus on current treatment concepts and highlight recent developments in the therapy of multiple sclerosis. © Hippocampus Verlag 2006.