Sixty-Two Year Old Chemotherapy Treatment Shows Promising Results on Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Study shows ITMTX may have beneficial role in progressive forms of MS
NEW YORK, June 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Multiple
Sclerosis Research Center of New York (MSRCNY), together with the
International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice (IMSMP), today
announced that results from its Intrathecal Methotrexate Treatment
in Multiple Sclerosis study have been published in this month's
issue of Journal of Neurology. This study reports on the
feasibility of using intrathecal methotrexate (ITMTX) in treatment
unresponsive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with progressive
forms of the disease.
A retrospective, open-label, chart review analysis was conducted
following patients with MS for up to eight treatments. Patients
were considered for ITMTX treatment if they were unresponsive to or
intolerant of FDA approved treatments. There was a one year
follow-up after their eighth or last treatment. Patients underwent
neurological assessments and expanded disability status scale
(EDSS) evaluations. In 87 secondary progressive MS patients, EDSS
scores were stable or improved in 89%, with significantly improved
mean EDSS post-treatment compared to baseline. Of 34 primary
progressive patients, EDSS scores were stable in 82%, with no
significant progression in EDSS post-treatment compared to
baseline. ITMTX may have a beneficial role in progressive forms of
MS and is well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
"We have opened an avenue of treatment for an otherwise
untreatable form of MS," said Dr. Saud A. Sadiq, Director of the
IMSMP/MSRCNY and the study's lead author. "This is exciting news
because it's the first time a treatment has been shown to be
effective in the late stages/progressive forms of MS."
About Methotrexate
Methotrexate (MTX), an antimetabolite, has been in clinical use
since 1948 when it was found to produce temporary remission of
acute childhood leukemia. Because of its indirect immunosuppressive
effects, MTX is used in treating autoimmune conditions such as
rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
About the IMSMP & MSRCNY
The International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice and the
Multiple Sclerosis Research Center of New York is a leader in MS
healthcare and research. As a center of excellence, it establishes
an unparalleled level of care for individualized, compassionate
attention to patients' needs and well-being. Patients receive
in-depth assessments and management plans with on-site physical
therapists, social workers and neuropsychologists for cognitive
rehabilitation. Appointments may be scheduled with a naturopathic
physician, urologist/urogynecologist, pain specialist or massage
therapist. The on-site infusion suite is open 7 days a week for
intravenous medications, and a physician is accessible 24 hours a
day/7 days a week. Patients benefit from the research lab by
investigation into the cause of MS, disease mechanisms and
treatment discoveries. As an international MS center, patients
throughout the United States and from more than 30 countries on 5
continents rely on and visit the IMSMP for care.
Contact: Pamela Bloom, Media Relations, 646-557-3858 For Interest in Becoming a Patient: 212-265-8070
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed
expert(s), click appropriate link.
Saud Sadiq, MD
Source: International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice
CONTACT: Pamela Bloom, Media Relations, +1-646-557-3858
Posted: June 2010
