We have identified several key biomarkers that can predict and track chronic lesion activity in MS, offering new possibilities for patient care and treatment development.

Combined Volume and Severity Assessment

We developed a novel marker called the Progressive Volume/Severity Index (PVSI). This comprehensive measure combines two important aspects of lesion assessment:

• The physical growth of lesions over time
• The severity of tissue damage within these expanding areas

Our research shows this dual approach provides a more complete picture of disease activity than examining either factor alone, enabling better understanding of how MS affects each patient uniquely.

Key Predictive Markers

Our research has identified several reliable indicators of future lesion activity:

Central Brain Atrophy

We demonstrated that central brain atrophy, measured through changes in the brain’s ventricles, is the most reliable predictor of future lesion expansion. Our findings show this marker can be measured using standard brain imaging techniques and provides early insights into disease progression.

Tissue Changes Within Lesions

Our work reveals that changes in brain tissue within existing lesions, particularly measured through advanced imaging techniques, indicate which lesions are likely to expand. We found these changes often appear before visible expansion occurs, offering an early warning system for disease activity.

Combined Imaging Markers

Our research confirms that using multiple imaging techniques together provides the most comprehensive assessment of lesion activity. This approach we developed helps identify both active and potentially expanding lesions, allowing for more targeted treatment approaches.

Clinical Significance

Our findings have important implications for MS care:

• Earlier identification of patients at risk for aggressive disease progression
• More accurate monitoring of treatment effectiveness
• Potential for personalized treatment approaches
• Improved methods for evaluating new therapies in clinical trials

Future Applications

Our biomarker research opens new possibilities for:

• More efficient clinical trial design
• Better patient grouping for targeted treatments
• Improved understanding of how MS progresses
• Development of new monitoring tools

Our ability to predict lesion expansion before it occurs represents a significant advance in MS research and treatment. This knowledge helps healthcare providers make more informed decisions about patient care and treatment timing, potentially leading to better outcomes for people living with MS.