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CMSC 2026

Beyond the Label: Navigating Biomarkers, Supplements, and High-Risk Patients

Moderator/Chair: Jenelle Montgomery , PharmD
This course will provide practical insights into clinical management strategies of multiple sclerosis. The presentations will focus on clinical implementation of biomarkers, management of high-risk patients and provide perspectives on supplements and MS care. Multiple sclerosis (MS) remains a clinically heterogeneous disease with an incompletely understood pathophysiology. Traditional diagnosis has depended on clinical presentation and MRI evidence of evolving central nervous system lesions. Although improvements to these criteria have facilitated earlier diagnosis, more precise tools are needed to capture subclinical disease activity and guide individualized care. Biomarkers—objective, quantifiable biological indicators measured through cerebrospinal fluid, imaging, or blood—are central to this effort. In particular, blood-based biomarkers offer a minimally invasive means to support earlier and more accurate diagnosis, predict disease progression, monitor therapeutic response, and tailor treatment strategies. Their integration into clinical practice can provide actionable data that enhances personalized management and reduces uncertainty for patients. Management of high-risk MS patients addresses strategies for optimizing DMT management in patients with elevated risk profiles, including those with a history of malignancies, additive immunosuppression, and increased susceptibility to serious infections. It will review strategies for risk assessment, treatment selection, and monitoring to balance disease control with patient safety. Attendees will gain practical insights into individualized care approaches that minimize complications while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Supplements and Multiple Sclerosis focuses on the integration of supplements into clinical care for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It will review the evidence behind common supplements and their potential impact on disease activity, symptom management, and overall patient outcomes. Attendees will gain practical insights into how supplement use can complement standard therapies and support personalized care plans. Level of Information: IntermediateThis course will provide practical insights into clinical management strategies of multiple sclerosis. The presentations will focus on clinical implementation of biomarkers, management of high-risk patients and provide perspectives on supplements and MS care. Multiple sclerosis (MS) remains a clinically heterogeneous disease with an incompletely understood pathophysiology. Traditional diagnosis has depended on clinical presentation and MRI evidence of evolving central nervous system lesions. Although improvements to these criteria have facilitated earlier diagnosis, more precise tools are needed to capture subclinical disease activity and guide individualized care. Biomarkers—objective, quantifiable biological indicators measured through cerebrospinal fluid, imaging, or blood—are central to this effort. In particular, blood-based biomarkers offer a minimally invasive means to support earlier and more accurate diagnosis, predict disease progression, monitor therapeutic response, and tailor treatment strategies. Their integration into clinical practice can provide actionable data that enhances personalized management and reduces uncertainty for patients. Management of high-risk MS patients addresses strategies for optimizing DMT management in patients with elevated risk profiles, including those with a history of malignancies, additive immunosuppression, and increased susceptibility to serious infections. It will review strategies for risk assessment, treatment selection, and monitoring to balance disease control with patient safety. Attendees will gain practical insights into individualized care approaches that minimize complications while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Supplements and Multiple Sclerosis focuses on the integration of supplements into clinical care for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It will review the evidence behind common supplements and their potential impact on disease activity, symptom management, and overall patient outcomes. Attendees will gain practical insights into how supplement use can complement standard therapies and support personalized care plans. Level of Information: Intermediate

Presentations in This Session

Optimizing MS Clinical Management Through Biomarker Integration

Speaker/s: Marion Thomas, MSN, RN, NP-C

Management of High-risk MS patients- Part I

Speaker/s: Stephanie Iyer, PharmD, CPP

Management of High-risk MS patients- Part II

Speaker/s: Stephanie Iyer, PharmD, CPP

Supplements in Multiple Sclerosis

Speaker/s: Julie Kidd, PharmD, MPH, BCPS