𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀
If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), you know MRI scans and neuro exams remain the foundation for diagnosing MS and monitoring disease activity. Researchers are now studying blood tests that may one day give doctors additional information about what is happening inside the brain and spinal cord.
A biomarker is something that can be measured in the body to provide information about a disease. For MS, scientists are searching for biomarkers that can help estimate disease activity, monitor treatment response, or identify nerve damage earlier than current methods.
Neurofilament light chain (Nfl), a protein found inside nerve cells, are released into the cerebrospinal fluid and then into the bloodstream when nerves are damaged. Peoplewith active MS often have higher NfL levels than healthy individuals. NfL levels may also rise during a relapse or when new inflammatory lesions develop on MRI. NfL levels may also decrease after effective treatment with disease-modifying therapies.
However, NfL is not specific to MS. Levels can also increase with normal aging and in other neurological conditions. Because of this, doctors cannot diagnose MS using NfL alone.
Another biomarker being studied is glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Unlike NfL, which reflects damage to nerve fibers, GFAP is released by astrocytes, a type of support cell in the brain and spinal cord.GFAP may provide information about disease progression, particularly in progressive forms of MS
MRI remains the best tool for detecting new MS lesions and monitoring changes over time. Blood biomarkers are more likely to become an additional piece of the puzzle rather than a replacement for imaging. They may help neurologists identify subtle disease activity, guide discussions about treatment effectiveness, or determine when closer monitoring is needed.
BeCare MS App can be an additional tool to diagnose and monitor MS. With a quantified neurologic examination, tracking of individual performance over time and compared with the general population, and calculation of gold standard disability scores, the BeCare App can empower patients to become a partner in their own MS journey. Be Aware with BeCare.