Active clinical trials for "Sclerosis"

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized pathologically by demyelination, axonal loss, and glial scar formation. Clinically, most patients have a relapsing-remitting course of MS (RRMS) that over time may become progressive without remissions - a secondary progressive MS (SPMS). About 15% of patients have a progressive course from onset which is called primary progressive (PP). Currently, there is no approved treatment for PPMS and for SPMS only therapy with mitoxantrone showed mild effect. Thus, more effective therapies need to be developed for treatment of SPMS and PPMS. Methotrexate (MTX), an anti-metabolite, has been in clinical use since 1948 when it was found to produce temporary remission of acute childhood leukemia. There are accumulating evidences that in progressive MS patients there are follicular lymphoid structures in the meninges and in the Virchow-Robin spaces. Therefore, intrathecal therapy may target the pathological follicular lymphoid activity. The safety of intrathecal MTX (ITMTX) has been demonstrated by its widespread use in treating lymphoproliferative diseases and leptomeningeal metastases. Sadik et. Al. reported about the feasibility and safety of using intrathecal methotrexate (ITMTX) as a treatment for unresponsive patients with progressive forms of MS. In their open label study they found that ITMTX may have a beneficial effect in progressive forms of MS and that it was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. The investigators aim is to evaluate the efficacy , safety and tolerability of intrathecal methotrexate administration every 3 months in progressive 30 patients with progressive MS. The investigators will evaluate clinical, laboratory evaluation of the blood and cerebrospinal fluid as well as the MRI scans of the participants. Each patient will be treated 4 times for 1 year with the option to continue for another 1 more year with the same protocol.

This study will investigate the feasibility of running a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a psychotherapy called "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)", delivered in a self-help format with additional telephone support from a therapist, for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and low mood.

Fatigue is the most chronic and disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis patients. Self-management physical exercise programs seem promising to allow patients to improve their fatigue and their deconditioning. However, the effectiveness of such programs has been poorly assessed until now. The objectives of the present study are to evaluate the relationships between fatigue and physical capacity among slightly affected MS patients, and to carry on a large trial to assess the effectiveness of a self-management exercise program in the same patients. Sixty-four patients will be included and will be asked, after an educational period, to perform at least three exercise sessions of more than 30 minutes each week, over a period of three months. Patients will be splitted in two groups : one group will perform endurance and resistance physical exercises, and the other one will perform relaxation exercises with the help of soothing music. A regular coaching will adapt the exercises and motivate the patients to continue the treatment. Assessors won't be informed of patients' treatment. Four evaluations will be done, and will notably assess muscle strength, endurance, fatigue and social participation.

The purpose of this research is to characterize the effect of teriflunomide on the activation of B-cells, as well as its capacity to modify B-cell cytokine secretion. The in-vitro identified effects of teriflunomide on the expression of B-cell activation markers, costimulatory and antigen presenting molecules, as well as on cytokine secretion, will then be confirmed in a cohort of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) patients treated with this medication.

The purpose of this research is to study the effects of Privigen (intravenous immunoglobulin) on the skin in patients with scleroderma. Approximately 24 subjects will take part in this investigator-initiated study at Georgetown University Hospital and Johns Hopkins Hospital. This study will last for one year (12 months). This research is being done because systemic sclerosis can cause severe, progressive organ involvement. The investigators hope this study treatment will improve the outcomes in this disease, including skin, muscle, joint, gastrointestinal, and lung involvement.

The main purpose of this research study is to investigate how well a medicine (alemtuzumab) works in treating MS-related cognitive problems (e.g., attention, memory, speed of thinking). This study will include 30 subjects from six research sites. Alemtuzumab is approved and sold under the brand names Campath and MabCampath to treat some types of leukemia. As a leukemia treatment, it is given more often and at much higher doses than in this study.

Cognitive disorders are well-known in multiple sclerosis (MS), even in earlier stages of the disease. They effect personal life. Their management may be overlooked. The evidence-based program proposes exercises to both stimulate preserved functions and develop new abilities compensating for cognitive disabilities. Aim of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of the remedial program (PROCOG-SEP) designed for MS patients, compared to an interactive discussion program(DISINT) 140 multiple sclerosis patients will be randomly assigned in one the program for 13 sessions over a 6-month period. Main outcome criteria is evolution of SRT-LIST before and after program.

This study will primarily address the question whether the combination of Mitoxantrone therapy with dexrazoxane can reduce cardiotoxic side effects in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis patients in comparison to Mitoxantrone monotherapy.

This study will compare two different kinds of physical therapy to improve use of the hands in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). One treatment will be Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CI therapy), the other will be a set of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments (yoga, relaxation exercises, aquatherapy, massage). The study will determine which of the two forms of treatment is more successful for improving hand use.

Up to 95% of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis report experiencing cognitive fatigue, characterized by a lack of energy, feelings of exhaustion, an the perception that one is unable to partake in daily activities. The goal of this project is to test whether methylphenidate (MP), a well-known psychostimulant, can effective treat fatigue experienced by individuals with MS. The current study will test the effect of MP on MS fatigue through a clinical trial. Every participant in the study will be exposed to both the drug and the placebo for a period of time. Both the investigators and participants will be unaware whether participants are receiving the drug or the placebo. Upon successful completion of the study, physicians will be able to evaluate the potential prescription of MP to treat fatigue in persons with MS based on solid research evidence. Importantly, MP is already an FDA approved widely used medication in multiple clinical populations.