For the 34th time, the ECTRIMS (European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS) Congress is taking place in Berlin these days. This congress is the largest meeting of its kind – over the next 3 days more than 9,000 MS specialists from all over the world will discuss new scientific data from basic research and exchange information on studies on the diagnosis and therapy of the disease. I am also in Berlin this year and look forward to informing you about important topics and controversies on DocBlog.
This year’s opening lecture was given by Prof. Alastair Compston, Cambridge, (winner of the Sobek Research Award 2002). Prof. Compston played a major role in the development of the MS preparation Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada®) and scientifically deals with genetic association analyses. This research direction particularly benefits from the ever-increasing possibilities of digital information processing.
And therefore the topic of the lecture was also “MS in the digital world” – a topic that, according to conference president Prof. Reinhard Hohlfeld, should be a particular focus at this year’s ECTRIMS meeting. Because digitization, big data and robotics will change the diagnosis and therapy of multiple sclerosis in the coming years.
Already today, digital data processing is used to identify prognostic factors and biomarkers. The big goal is to enable personalized MS therapy – i.e. a therapy that is “tailored” to the individual in terms of effect, but also in terms of individual side effects (and thus in terms of drug safety). This will only be possible if it is possible to evaluate large amounts of data.
Another point of discussion is the use of artificial intelligence. Many studies already demonstrate the great benefit of intelligent systems that work with learning software algorithms. Nevertheless, according to a survey by the German Medical Journal, about 63 percent of respondents reject the sole diagnosis by a computer. The situation would be different if a doctor was involved, then an intelligent computer system in cooperation with a doctor would be acceptable for 61 percent of respondents. Therefore, intelligent computer systems that support doctors in the diagnosis and therapy of MS are an important future topic.
Of course, a lot is also happening on the patient side. A wide range of health apps already allows for differentiated self-monitoring today. The data collected here could in the future also influence the assessment of disease progression and therapeutic success. This may indicate a development that allows intervention even before a clinical deterioration. The potential of robotics in supporting those in need of care should not be underestimated either. This may sound a bit creepy at first glance, but given the current care crisis, it could bring some relief and save nursing resources.
In view of these considerations, it is worthwhile to think about digitization also in connection with MS and to design strategies for the future. This year’s President’s Symposium has therefore addressed a key future issue for the care of MS patients. It will be interesting to see how the digital innovations will impact in the coming years.
