Semin Neurol. 2003 Jun;23(2):133-46
Kieseier BC, Hartung HP.
Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5,
40225 Dusseldorf, Germany.
In recent years, the usefulness of interferon beta and glatiramer acetate in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) has been established.
Interferon beta has also been shown to be efficacious in secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) as well as in patients with isolated syndromes at risk to develop clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS).
Mitoxantrone is another disease-modifying drug that is available for SPMS and severe cases of RRMS.
The clinical utility of disease-modifying agents in MS will be reviewed with respect to the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and immunosuppressive treatments that are currently available.
Symptomatic therapies will not be considered.