IFN beta-1a may reduce brain atrophy in early MS

A study reported in The Lancet this week appears to show that early treatment with IFN beta-1a (Rebif) not only slows or helps prevent conversion to MS but also protects against brain tissue loss. In the ETOMS (Early Treatment of MS) study, 263 people who had experienced one symptom suggestive of MS were randomized to receiving IFN beta-1a or placebo. They were followed over two years and clinical and MRI measurements were taken. As has been shown in other studies, a lower percentage of those who received active treatment vs. placebo had converted to clinically definite MS by study end (31% vs. 47%). In addition, the percentage of brain loss was significantly lower in those who were treated (-1.18% change vs. -1.68% for the placebo group). Interestingly, loss of brain volume was not strongly correlated with new lesion formation, indicating that atrophy occurred at least partly independently from inflammation.

Since atrophy and disability have been linked in other studies, this suggests the possibility for IFN beta-1a to delay disability if given early, although longer-term monitoring must be done to be sure. This study also provides evidence that brain atrophy as measured by MRI can be a useful endpoint in clinical trials of MS treatments.