title: A new era in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system with a multifactorial aetiology and highly variable natural history. A growing understanding of the immunopathogenesis of the condition has led to an expanding array of therapies for this previously untreatable disease. While a cure for MS remains elusive, the potential to reduce inflammatory disease activity by preventing relapses and minimising disease progression is achievable. The importance of early treatment in minimising long-term disability is increasingly recognised. Most of the newer, more effective therapies are associated with risks and practical problems that necessitate an active management strategy and continuous vigilance. While the initiation of these therapies is likely to remain the responsibility of neurologists, other specialist physicians and general practitioners will be involved in the identification and management of adverse effects.
authors.affiliation: Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD simon.broadley@griffith.edu.au.
authors.forename: Simon A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Broadley
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW.
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Barnett
authors.affiliation: The Townsville Hospital, Townsville, QLD.
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boggild
authors.affiliation: St Vincent's Hospital/University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW.
authors.forename: Bruce J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Brew
authors.affiliation: Royal Melbourne Hospital/University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.
authors.forename: Helmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Butzkueven
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heard
authors.affiliation: University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hodgkinson
authors.affiliation: Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: Allan G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Kermode
authors.affiliation: Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: Jeannette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lechner-Scott
authors.affiliation: Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: Richard A L
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Macdonell
authors.affiliation: Royal Melbourne Hospital/University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marriott
authors.affiliation: Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: Deborah F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.affiliation: Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Parratt
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW.
authors.forename: Stephen W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Reddel
authors.affiliation: Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: Cameron P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.affiliation: Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Slee
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW.
authors.forename: Judith M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Spies
authors.affiliation: Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: Bruce V
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.affiliation: Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: Trevor J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Kilpatrick
authors.affiliation: Royal Melbourne Hospital/University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: Pamela A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: McCombe
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Pollard
authors.affiliation: Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD.
authors.forename: Ernest
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Willoughby
mesh_terms: D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents