Why I’m researching clinical trials as I prepare to switch my DMT
I am learning a lot about how to access information about research
I wrote in the summer about changing the disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for my multiple sclerosis (MS). I’ve familiarized myself with the available DMTs, and I plan to ask my neurologist for her recommendation next week and then make a decision.
As I’ve researched my options, I’ve become interested in participating in clinical trials. The database I used to find these studies was ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. government’s registry, which is operated by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health.
The platform enables patients and clinicians to search for trials by disease name — such as MS — its location; status, or whether it’s recruiting, active, or completed; and the intervention being tested, meaning whether it’s a drug, device, or behavioral therapy. The database is user-friendly. You can conduct a broad search or narrow it down. When I searched it, I entered “multiple sclerosis” in the condition/disease box. A drop-down menu appeared, allowing me to select MS or a specific type, such as relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, or primary progressive.
Participating in science is advancing science
I selected relapsing-remitting MS, but didn’t find the following two search boxes — “other terms” and “intervention/treatment” — to be helpful. However, if you’re interested in a specific medication, just enter its name in the intervention/treatment box to limit your results to studies that involve it.
In the “location” box, you can enter your address or leave it blank to view all the studies being conducted around the world. I entered “Kansas City,” where I live. Unfortunately, no MS studies are currently enrolling here, so I expanded my search and found 73 studies worldwide on relapsing-remitting MS. I found this encouraging because it suggests that many new treatments may be being tested.
Lastly, you can select whether you want to see all the studies, including those that are closed to enrollment, have been completed or terminated, or only those that are recruiting or not yet recruiting. I selected the latter.
Participating in research on investigational medications may offer several significant benefits, including access to medications before they become commercially available, the latest drug formulations, medications with novel mechanisms of action, or improved dosing regimens. Another benefit is receiving more comprehensive care. Study participants often receive more frequent and detailed evaluations, such as laboratory tests, MRIs, and assessments, than patients in standard care.
Other potential benefits of investigational medications may include lower relapse rates, limiting or reversing neurological damage, and improving functioning and quality of life.
Lastly, by participating in clinical trials, you contribute to advancing science, thereby increasing our knowledge of MS and its treatment.
While I was unable to participate in a research study myself, the clinical trials database remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in joining research efforts or learning more about the studies being conducted for MS.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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