The ECTRIMS Podcast

Imaging techniques in multiple sclerosis are evolving rapidly, with MRI and emerging biomarkers playing a central role in diagnosis, prognosis and disease monitoring. In this episode of the ECTRIMS Podcast, neurologist Gabriel Bsteh and host Brett Drummond explore how MRI, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and imaging biomarkers are reshaping the way clinicians diagnose and manage MS. They discuss the 2024 updates to the McDonald diagnostic criteria, including the introduction of the central vein sign (CVS), paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL), and the inclusion of the optic nerve. The episode also examines how imaging biomarkers may be used to: Predict disease progression Provide prognostic information at diagnosis Monitor neuro-axonal damage over time Support treatment decisions and personalised medicine This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in multiple sclerosis, MRI, OCT, biomarkers, and advances in MS research and care.

How much do the labels used to describe multiple sclerosis actually reflect the lived experience of people affected by the disease? In this first episode of the new ECTRIMS–MS Journal collaboration series, host Dr. Anneke van der Walt, Controversies Editor at the Multiple Sclerosis Journal, speaks with Jon Strum, MS caregiver and host of the RealTalk MS podcast, and Kathryn Smith, patient advocate and volunteer with the National MS Society, and person living with MS. Together they explore a deceptively simple question: does the label given to an MS disease course actually matter? Jon argues that disease labels shape perception, communication and expectations for people living with MS and their families. Kathryn explains why those same labels increasingly fail to capture the day-to-day reality of living with the disease. They discuss: Why traditional MS disease course labels can feel disconnected from lived experience The emotional and practical impact of terms such as relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive The concept of PIRA (progression independent of relapse activity) and what it reveals about MS progression Why functional outcomes and patient experience should play a greater role in how MS is described The importance of patient voice in research, clinical conversations and scientific publishing Although they begin from opposing viewpoints, Jon and Kathryn ultimately arrive at a shared conclusion: the MS community may need a new language — one that better reflects biology, individual experience and the realities of living with the disease. Note: This episode is part of the MS Journal Controversies in MS series, specifically its new Controversies: Patient Voice section – a dedicated space highlighting the lived experiences of people affected by MS. Please see the following articles for more information: "Yes" – The label does matter "No" – The label does not matter Commentary

Rehabilitation is more than exercise – it is a personalised process of learning and adaptation that empowers people living with MS to maximise independence, participation and quality of life. In this episode – recorded at ECTRIMS 2025 in Barcelona during the joint ECTRIMS–RIMS meeting – host Brett Drummond speaks with Prof. Roshan das Nair from SINTEF and Dr. Blanca de Dios Pérez from University of Nottingham about the evolving role of rehabilitation in MS care. They explore: · Why rehabilitation should be integrated from diagnosis · The rise of vocational rehabilitation and supporting people to remain in work · Mental health as a core component of MS care · Digital technologies for cognitive screening and personalised triage · The importance of implementation — turning research into real-world care · Moving toward a "community of care" model beyond the clinic As MS care advances, rehabilitation remains essential for translating medical progress into meaningful everyday outcomes.

Clinical trial results unveiled today at ACTRIMS Forum 2026 suggest that fenebrutinib may be a novel and effective treatment option for people living with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. In this exclusive episode providing the first expert discussion of the complete dataset, FENtrepid trial leads Prof. Amit Bar-Or (University of Pennsylvania) and Dr. Stephen Hauser (University of California San Francisco) break down what the fenebrutinib results really show. Together, they explore: Why BTK inhibition is uniquely positioned to address progressive MS biology How fenebrutinib compared to ocrelizumab in the Phase 3 FENtrepid PPMS trial What the data suggest for patients with non-relapsing, chronic disease Listen for a deep dive into the science and the clinical implications. Editorial Note: At 21:49, the discussion refers to Müller cells. The correct term is Kupffer cells. Download the transcript

What role does the gut microbiome play in multiple sclerosis — and how close are we to translating microbiome research into meaningful clinical interventions? In this episode of the ECTRIMS Podcast, host Brett Drummond is joined by Mahesh Desai (Luxembourg Institute of Health) and Ashutosh Mangalam (University of Iowa), two internationally recognised leaders in microbiome and MS research, to explore how gut microbes influence disease susceptibility, progression, and immune regulation in MS. The discussion moves beyond simple "good vs bad bacteria" narratives, highlighting why microbial function, community structure, and host–microbiome dialogue are far more informative than individual taxa alone. The speakers examine evidence from animal models and human studies, including twin studies, microbial networks, and immune markers such as IgA coating, to understand whether microbiome changes are drivers or consequences of disease. They also explore the potential of the gut microbiome as a predictive biomarker, the challenges of causality, and why diet and personalised approaches may be key to restoring immune balance in MS.

Cognitive change is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—symptoms of multiple sclerosis. In this episode, host Brett Drummond speaks with Dr. Vicki Levitt (Columbia University) and Dr. Tom Fuchs (MS Center Amsterdam) about the state of cognition research, why measurement still lags behind clinical need, and how new tools may change the field forever.

At every stage of the MS journey, nurses are the steady link between patients, families, and the healthcare team. In this episode, host Brett Drummond speaks with Amy Perrin Ross, MS Specialist Nurse and Program Coordinator at Loyola University Chicago (USA), and Miguel Ángel Cortés-Vicente, Multiple Sclerosis Consultant Nurse at CEMCAT – Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Spain), about the evolving role of MS nurses — from care coordination and patient engagement to leadership in research and innovation. They share insights from the 2025 ECTRIMS Congress Nurse Sessions, exploring how nurses are advancing health literacy, supporting shared decision-making, and integrating AI to improve patient care.

While much of MS care focuses on physical symptoms, mental health challenges—like depression, anxiety, loneliness, and stigma—often go under-recognised. In this episode, host Brett Drummond speaks with Dr. Rebecca MaGuire, psychologist and MS researcher at Maynooth University, who also lives with MS herself. Together they discuss why mental health must become a core part of MS care, what the latest research reveals, and how clinicians and communities can better support emotional wellbeing throughout the MS journey.

Patient Community Day 2025 set a new attendance record, highlighting the growing desire among people living with MS to connect with experts leading the charge in understanding the disease and advancing effective treatments. After the event wrapped up in Barcelona, host Brett Drummond caught up with Julie Petrin, Director of Impact and Evaluation at MS Canada and a person living with MS, and Non Helena Smit, CEO of MS South Africa, to reflect on key takeaways and share what they're looking forward to at next year's event in Toronto.

At the late breaking abstracts session at ECTRIMS 2025 in Barcelona, the CCMR-Two trial revealed promising results for myelin repair in MS using the diabetes drug metformin and the antihistamine clemastine. Straight from his presentation, trial lead Dr. Nick Cunniffe of the University of Cambridge sat down with host Brett Drummond of MStranslate to discuss the full results of CCMR-Two, our current understanding of myelin repair biology, and the next steps for remyelination clinical trials and potential future MS therapies.

On the final day of ECTRIMS 2025 in Barcelona, the spotlight turned to MS treatment, including long-awaited clinical trial results. Dr. Sharmilee Gnanapavan, Consultant Neurologist at Barts Health and Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (UK), joins host Brett Drummond to reflect on key takeaways from the 41st Congress and what the MS community might look forward to at MSToronto 2026.

Dr. Barry Singer, Director and Founder of The MS Center for Innovations in Care, joins host Brett Drummond to discuss the key takeaways unveiled on the second day of ECTRIMS 2025 in Barcelona.

The 41st Congress of ECTRIMS opened in Barcelona with Professor Maria Pia Amato of the University of Florence delivering the ECTRIMS Lecture. In this conversation with host Brett Drummond, she highlights the key takeaways from Day One of ECTRIMS 2025 and shares insights on cognition and what's shaping the future of multiple sclerosis research and care.

Direct from Barcelona, listen to Alvaro Cobo Calvo from the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Catalonia (Cemcat) and host Brett Drummond discuss the highlights of ECTRIMS 2025 Pre-Day, which is focused on specialised topics in MS and related neuroinflammatory autoimmune diseases such as MOGAD and NMOSD.

The 2024 Revisions of the McDonald Diagnostic Criteria for MS have been published in The Lancet Neurology. What do these changes mean for clinical practice? In this episode, we are joined by two authors of the paper: Prof. Xavier Montalban, Chair of the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in MS (IACCTMS), and Dr. Jiwon Oh of the University of Toronto. Together with host Brett Drummond of MStranslate, they discuss the significance of the updates, how these changes could expedite diagnosis and reduce misdiagnosis, and what they mean for the future of MS care globally. Reference: Montalban, X. et al. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: 2024 revisions of the McDonald criteria. Lancet Neurol. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(25)00270-4 (2025).

Genetics not only influence the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), but also affect how the disease progresses and how patients respond to different treatments. Professor Philip De Jager, Chief of Neuroimmunology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center joins host Brett Drummond of MStranslate to discuss recent discoveries in MS genetics. They explore what these findings mean for patients and their families, and how these could shape primary prevention and personalised therapies for MS.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have become a critical tool for capturing the lived experience of multiple sclerosis (MS), offering a perspective that extends beyond traditional clinical and imaging metrics. As research increasingly prioritises real-world relevance and individualised care, PROs provide valuable insights into symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, and cognitive decline—factors that often evade objective measurement but have a profound impact on quality of life. Professor Jan Hillert of Karolinska Institute in Sweden and chair of the Swedish MS Registry joins host Brett Drummond of MStranslate to discuss how patient reported data are being integrated into clinical trial design and observational studies. They also explore current limitations to their use and highlight best practices for validation and interpretation.

Biomarkers are one of the most exciting and fast-evolving areas in multiple sclerosis research, offering promise for earlier diagnosis, accurate prognosis, and truly personalised treatment. Yet despite their potential, there is still significant debate that limits their widespread application in clinical and research settings. In this episode, host Brett Drummond is joined by two leading voices in this field, Professor Charlotte Teunissen of Amsterdam UMC in The Netherlands and Associate Professor Michael Khalil of Medical University of Graz in Austria to explore the most promising biomarker candidates and when and how they might be implemented.