The interferon-beta 1b clinical trial and its implications for other trials.
This trial was monitored by both clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. Clinical effect was a 30% reduction in relapse rate in the group treated with a high dose. The MRI activity rate was reduced by a median of 70% in both treatment groups. The burden of disease measure showed a clear-cut dose effect in the 2-year analysis. Future trials must be monitored by MRI. In addition, placebo controls will continue to be necessary in most trials, especially if long-term effects are to be measured.
Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010919:Placebos; D012008:Recurrence; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010919:Placebos; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a