Speaker(s): 

Nadiya Sharifi, MD, Staff Member, Geisinger - has nothing to disclose.

Mentor - Megan Esch, MD

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participant should be able to: 

1. Describe the design and evidence of the SMART-MS trial
2. Interpret the trial's efficacy and safety outcomes in clinical context
3. Appraise exploratory CSF proteomic profiling in SMART-MS trial 

Questions to consider:

1. Was placebo the right comparison? Discuss whether this trial should have compared intrathecal MSCs against gold-standard DMT instead of using a placebo crossover?
2. Should future studies pursue utilization of proteomic profiling based on this study’s exploratory data? What are some ways this could change future management?
3. Is it justified to expose progressive-MS patients to an invasive experimental procedure with an unproven benefit and is it ethical to subject both groups to saline intrathecal injection?

Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships with/without Commercial Interests:

The Planning Committee consisting of Emily Sun, DO and Cortney Houtz, LPN have no identified disclosures. 

CE Committee Member/Content Reviewers have nothing to disclose. 

Any/All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated. 

Content Disclosure: 

This presentation/content is HIPAA compliant. 

Commercial Support for this Session

None.