Is there a cure for MS?

Sadly there is not yet - currently a cure for MS but there are treatments both to slow down the course of the disease and mitigate against its effects. There are a number of new treatments that are in the research stage or are in clinical trials.

Some of these are very promising indeed and the current mood in MS research is very optimistic - we can look forward to more effective treatments in the near future.

However I will deal with these in a later section - in this section I will concentrate on the so-called "ABC" treatments and steroids. These are not the only treatments for MS - there are many treatments for the specific symptoms such as spasticity, vertigo, fatigue or depression and I will deal with them in the next section.

Here I want to look at treatments that affect the process of demyelination and control of relapses.

ABC Treatments

Perhaps the most effective treatments currently available today deal with the autoimmune component of multiple sclerosis and work by regulating aspects of the immune system. They are known as the "ABC" treatments, where "A" stands for Avonex, "B" stands for Betaseron/Betaferon and "C" stands for Copaxone.

Avonex and Betaseron are both varieties of beta interferon. A third drug, Rebif, is also beta interferon. ABCR would be a more accurate acronym though clearly less appealing to those of us with a crossword-solving mentality.

Copaxone is a completely different drug altogether - the active ingredient being glatiramer acetate, Co-polymer-1 or COP-1.

A fifth drug, Novantrone, has recently become available. This is a chemotherapeutic agent which I shall deal with in a later section.

Beta interferon

Beta Interferon comes in two varieties, beta interferon-1a (Avonex and Rebif) and beta interferon-1b (Betaseron in the US and Betaferon in Europe).

Beta interferon (IFN-b) is a naturally occuring biochemical in the human body and belongs to a group of biochemicals known as interferon's (IFNs) which regulate the functioning of the immune system.

The mechanism by which IFN-b functions is complex and not fully understood. I shall explore this more fully in a later section but for now we can summarize it as:

It reduces the levels of another interferon, called interferon gamma (IFN-g), which is known to be associated with the disease process in multiple sclerosis.

It appears to block certain white blood cells from attacking the insulating sheaths of the nerves - the myelin sheaths.

It appears to stop a type of white blood cell, called a T Cell, from releasing immune system signaling molecules (cytokines) that would otherwise encourage inflammation.

It appears to interfere with the process of summoning new immune system cells to the site of inflammation.

Read more to come:

What Red Flags Should I Watch Out For?

Promotion:
Be cautious if products or providers are promoted through telemarketers, direct mailings, infomercials, ads disguised as valid news articles, or ads in the back of magazines.

Big claims: If a provider or product claims to be a "cure" for MS or makes other outrageous claims, be cautious.

Source:

Be wary if the product is only being offered through one manufacturer.

Ingredients:

Make sure all of the active ingredients are listed. Do not trust "secret formulas."

Testimonials:

Testimonials are only given by those who are satisfied with the product, so beware, especially if the terms "paid endorsement" are used. Also, be cautious if testimonials are given by people who are only listed by initials, locations, or first names.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Research at The Cleveland Clinic.

Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, WebMD, May 2004.

Portions of this page copyright © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004

Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2005 5:23:06 AM



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Alternative and Complementary Therapies

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Multiple Sclerosis:

Alternative and Complementary Therapies:

The term alternative therapy, in general, is used to describe any medical treatment or intervention that has not been scientifically documented or identified as safe or effective for a specific condition.

Alternative therapy encompasses a variety of disciplines that range from diet and exercise to mental conditioning to lifestyle changes. Examples include acupuncture, yoga, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, and massage.

Complementary therapies are alternative therapies used in addition to traditional treatments. For example, you may have weekly massages to complement your drug treatment

What Alternative Therapies Are Recommended for MS?

Positive Attitude.
Having a positive outlook cannot cure MS, but it can reduce your stress and help you feel better. Exercise. Exercises, such as tai chi and yoga can lower your stress, help you to be more relaxed, and increase your energy, balance, and flexibility. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor before getting started. Diet. It is important for people with MS to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet. Ask your doctor what diet is right for you

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