title: Clinical biomarkers in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The search for meaningful biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS) has intensified in the past 5 years. Substantial progress is continuing in this multifaceted field. Recent advances offer important potential for new clinical tools to assist in diagnosis, detection of disease-associated conditions or cofactors, assessment of treatment efficacy and determination of disease progression. There are several new therapies for MS that are in development. Biomarkers that could identify and monitor the effectiveness of therapies would be of great advantage as the range of therapies for MS is rapidly expanding.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review, recent advances in biomarkers identified by clinical measures, genetic markers, serologic markers, cerebrospinal fluid markers, MRI measures and biomarkers associated with therapies are highlighted. Areas of recent progress are presented that may lead to useful biomarkers that could emerge in clinical practice for the treatment of MS patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The discovery of new biomarkers for MS not only brings with it the opportunity to have a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, but also holds the promise for future diagnostic tools and better treatment strategies for MS.
authors.affiliation: University of Utah , Neurology Service, VASLCHCS, Salt Lake City, UT 84148 , USA.
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.forename: Noel G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Carlson