Table 1.
Summary of prospective studies evaluating the use of MRI after initiation of treatment.
| Authors (study publication year) | Investigated medication | Number of patients | Disease type | Study duration (years) | Responder classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rudick et al.93
Bermel et al.92 |
Intramuscular IFNβ-1a | 172 | RRMS | 2 | ⩾3 new T2 lesions or new enhanced lesion (at year 1 and 2) predicted worse disease progression over 2 years; follow up at 15 years confirmed findings |
| Kinkel et al. (2014) |
IFNβ | 383 | CIS | 2 | Active Gd+ or new T2 lesions at 6 months predicted CDMS in IFNβ-1a but not placebo patients |
| Pozzilli et al.88 | IFNβ | 242 | RRMS | 4 | 101 of 242 patients had MRI data. Gd+ lesions or new T2 lesions 1 year after beginning IFNβ with higher likelihood of relapses in the 4-year observation period |
| Tomassini et al.89 | IFNβ | 68 | RRMS | 6 | Gd+ lesions at 1 year after beginning IFNβ therapy predicted relapse or disability at 6 years |
| Rio et al.90 | IFNβ | 152 | RRMS | 2 | >2 active lesions at 1 year was the primary factor predicting sustained EDSS progression at 2 years |
| Durelli et al.91 | IFNβ | 147 | RRMS | 2 | Gd+ or T2 lesions 6 months after starting treatment predicted relapse or sustained EDSS increase in the next 18 months |
| Prosperini et al.86 | IFNβ | 394 | RRMS | 4.8 | ⩾1 new T2 lesion after 1 year of starting IFNβ was best predictor of sustained disability at 5 years |
CDMS, clinically defined multiple sclerosis; EDSS, Expanded Disability Status Scale; Gd, gadolinium; IFNβ, interferon β; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; RRMS, relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.