Every year, the team from The Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mount Sinai participates in the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis Conference, one of the world’s largest gatherings focused on multiple sclerosis (MS) research and care. This event provides a platform for our physicians and researchers to contribute to discussions on the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field, collaborate with global leaders, and bring back cutting-edge tools to improve the lives of our patients.
This year’s conference was hosted in Copenhagen, where the Mount Sinai team joined more than 8,500 researchers, clinicians, and people living with multiple sclerosis from 103 countries. Celebrating “40 years of dedication to MS research and treatment,” the event showcased advancements in understanding and managing the disease. Attendees attended keynote speeches, scientific presentations, and educational sessions, including a dedicated day for the patient community, emphasizing their vital role in ongoing MS research.
Robin Graney, Clinical Research Coordinator
One of the most notable developments discussed was the update to the McDonald Diagnostic Criteria for MS, presented by Xavier Montalban, MD, Chair of the Department of Neurology and Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Catalonia at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital. The revisions aim to improve the speed and accuracy of MS diagnoses, particularly in older adults and children.
The new criteria introduce additional diagnostic tools, including modern MRI imaging findings and blood biomarkers, which are designed to reduce the risk of misdiagnoses. These technologies will be widely introduced over the next couple of years, and new terms like “central vein sign” (CVS) and “paramagnetic rim lesions” (PRL) will enter the MS lexicon.
The initiative, supported by a diverse group of stakeholders, will be accompanied by a global education campaign to ensure the MS community understands these changes. From the Center, Fred Lublin, MD, and Aaron Miller, MD, serve on the McDonald Criteria committee.
Research presentations also highlighted promising treatment developments, including the investigational drug tolebrutinib, which showed a 31 percent delay in disability progression in secondary progressive MS in the HERCULES trial. Although concerns about liver safety were raised, the results indicate that tolebrutinib could represent a significant step forward for this group of patients.
Stephen Krieger, MD
The Center served as a trial site for the last four years, with Stephen Krieger, MD, serving as the site’s investigator. The Center is deeply grateful to the 10 patients at Mount Sinai who participated in the trial.
Other research discussed the benefits of high-dose vitamin D in reducing MS activity, while excitement also surrounded a series of upcoming trials studying CAR T-cell therapies, which are being explored for their potential to treat autoimmune diseases like MS.
Another key focus of the conference was on the importance of patient-centered care. Discussions emphasized aligning patient and clinician priorities during appointments to enhance care quality.
Also, the updated “Brain Health–Time Matters” report highlighted the essential role of MS specialist nurses, who provide crucial support and guidance. Disparities in access to specialist nursing care remain a concern globally, particularly in lower-income countries, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and improvement in MS care services worldwide.