Across the Spectrum: Transforming the Detection and Management of Disease State Transitions Across the Spectrum of Multiple Sclerosis
Program Description
Disease progression within individual disease states is a primary driver of therapeutic changes in multiple sclerosis (MS). Yet, as a disease that evolves and progresses for most patients, MS is increasingly recognized as a disease spectrum with transitional phases. These are not limited to the more familiar challenging concept of conversion from relapsing to secondary progressive disease but also from radiologically isolated syndrome to primary progressive MS.
There are no established cutoffs to define the points at which each type of transition may occur, but MS experts increasingly rely on several tools to help predict risk of progression and identify conversion. Unfortunately, clinicians are unlikely to be utilizing these same assessments. Even once progression and related conversions have been identified, clinicians admittedly lack familiarity with modern disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).
Target Audience
The target audience for this CME initiative includes neurodegenerative disease specialists, general neurologists, advanced practice neurology professionals, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and long-term management of patients with MS.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the educational activity, participants should be able to:
- Distinguish the advantages and drawbacks of available assessment tools in evaluating different MS transitions to select the most appropriate and practical metrics for identifying individual patient changes over the course of their disease
- Appraise available evidence with individual DMTs across relapsing MS presentations to help delineate customizable treatment pathways for individuals experiencing or at risk of disease progression
- Evaluate current research surrounding treatment of patients with inactive SPMS or PPMS to determine when and for whom DMT switching or discontinuation may be appropriate
Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD (Moderator & Chair)
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Program Director, Neuroimmunology Fellowship
Director, Clinical Research in Neuroimmunology
Yale University
New Haven, CT

Director and Staff Neurologist,
Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio
Jacqueline A. Nicholas, MD, MPH
System Chief, Neuroimmunology & MS
OhioHealth MS Center
Columbus, OH
This activity is jointly provided by Medical Education Resources and Efficient LLC.
Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medical Education Resources (MER) and Efficient LLC. MER is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Designation Statement
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
Staff Disclosures
Efficient LLC and Medical Education Resources' planners and managers have no financial relationships to disclose.
Faculty Disclosure
Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD:
- Consulting Fees: Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, EMD Serono, Genentech, Genzyme, Janssen, NGM Bio, TG Therapeutics
- Grants/Research Support: Biogen, Genentech
Robert Bermel, MD:
- Patent holder: Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test
- Consulting fees: Biogen, EMD Serono, Genentech/Roche, Genzyme/Sanofi, Novartis, Viela Bio
- Contracted research: Biogen, Genentech/Roche, Novartis
Jacqueline A Nicholas, MD:
- Consulting Fees: Alexion, Biogen, BMS, EMD Serono, Genentech, Greenwich Biosciences, Novartis, TG Therapeutics
- Grants/Research Support: Biogen, Genentech, Novartis, University of Buffalo, PCORI
- Speakers' Bureau: EMD Serono, Janssen
Disclosure of Unlabeled Use/Disclaimer
This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA. The planners of this activity do not recommend the use of any agent outside of the labeled indications. The opinions expressed in the educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of the planners. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.
Disclaimer
The content and views presented in this educational activity are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Medical Education Resources, Efficient LLC, and/or AbbVie. The authors have disclosed if there is any discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA in their presentations. Before prescribing any medicine, primary references and full prescribing information should be consulted. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management.
Commercial Support
This continuing education activity is supported by an educational grant from Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
Method of Participation
There are no fees for participating in and receiving credit for this activity. During the period September 15, 2023 through September 15, 2024, participants must 1) read the learning objectives and faculty disclosures, 2) study the educational activity, 3) complete the posttest by recording the best answer to each question, and 4) complete the evaluation form.
Media
Internet
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 1.00 Attendance