MS in the Media - 20 November 2020
7 -20 November 2020
These are links to recent news stories about multiple sclerosis that may be of interest to people affected by MS in the UK. The link beneath each item will take you to the original story.
Please note that the MS Trust did not write the original items and does not endorse their content nor any claims made in them.
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New study for advanced MS
A UK study will explore whether Mavenclad can slow progression of upper limb disability in people with advanced MS. People with mobility problems are usually excluded from trials, which tend to focus on walking ability. The ChariotMS study will recruit 200 people at centres around the UK. People who think they might be eligible should talk to their neurologist or MS nurse about a possible referral.
Source: Daily Mail
Source: National MS Society (USA)
MS Trust link: Mavenclad (cladribine)
Campaign for fair benefits during the pandemic
The Disability Benefits Consortium - an umbrella group of more than 100 charities - is calling for equality for people who have not yet been moved to Universal Credit. People who get Universal Credit, which combines several previously separate benefits, have been receiving an extra £20 per week during the pandemic. People who are still receiving the individual benefits haven't had this support.
Source: Independent
MS Trust link: Benefits
Stem cells compared to Lemtrada
More people treated with stem cells (AHSCT) showed no signs of disease activity (NEDA) than a people treated with Lemtrada, according to a Swedish study. Three years after treatment, almost nine in ten of the AHSCT group showed no new relapses, no new lesions and no progression. In the Lemtrada group the rate was almost four in ten. More comparison studies are currently under way.
Source: MS News Today
MS Trust link: Stem cell treatment
MS Trust link: Lemtrada (alemtuzumab)
DMD use and finances
Delaying starting a disease modifying drug (DMD) was associated with a more rapid drop in earnings or sooner reliance on benefits compared to people who started treatment within two years of onset of MS, according to a Swedish study.
Source: Managed Health Executive
MS Trust link: Disease modifying drugs for relapsing MS


My search for MS support while studying for a PhD
4 Mar 2021 - 00:00
Laura is studying a PhD in Cancer Genomics and was diagnosed with MS in September 2020 following multiple hospital admissions. Here, Laura talks about how this affected her mental health and what more could be done to support other students going through the same thing.


MS, my mental health and a university degree
4 Mar 2021 - 00:00
Scarlet talks about how she learnt to manage her MS and mental health alongside the stresses of completing a university degree.


Receiving an MS diagnosis during my gender transition
22 Feb 2021 - 00:00
Chris shares his experience of being diagnosed with MS at the same time as starting hormone treatment and a surgical gender transition.

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