The ECTRIMS Podcast

In this episode of the ECTRIMS Podcast, recorded in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis Journal "Controversies in MS" series, host Prof. Anneke van der Walt moderates a discussion between Prof. Andy Solomon and Prof. Enrique Gómez on one of the most debated developments in modern multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Together, they explore:
• Why misdiagnosis remains a major challenge in MS care
• The role of the central vein sign (CVS) and paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) in improving specificity
• Whether expanding diagnostic sensitivity may increase false positives
• The practical realities of implementing advanced MRI biomarkers globally
• The importance of radiology training, implementation science, and AI-assisted imaging
• How clinicians should approach MRI interpretation in real-world practice
This conversation examines the balance between earlier diagnosis, diagnostic accuracy, and equitable implementation of emerging diagnostic tools across different healthcare settings.
This episode is part of the MS Journal Controversies in MS series on The revised 2024 McDonald criteria can solve the misdiagnosis problem in MS. The accompanying Yes, No, and Commentary articles are available to read open access for the next month, compliments of MS Journal.

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has become one of the most intensely studied topics in multiple sclerosis research. But how strong is the evidence linking EBV to MS, and could targeting the virus change the future of treatment and prevention?
In this episode of the ECTRIMS Podcast, host Brett Drummond speaks with Prof. Gavin Giovannoni and Prof. Tomas Olsson about the evolving science connecting infections, immunity and multiple sclerosis.
Together, they explore:
Molecular mimicry and how EBV proteins may trigger autoimmune responses
Whether EBV contributes to chronic CNS inflammation and disease progression
Emerging therapeutic approaches including antivirals, CAR-T cells, and vaccines
This conversation examines one of the most important scientific questions in MS research  and the therapeutic possibilities that may emerge from it.

New Phase 3 data presented at the AAN conference 2026 provide compelling evidence that fenebrutinib may represent a high-efficacy oral treatment option for people living with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
In this exclusive episode, leading experts Prof. Ludwig Kappos from University of Basel and Dr. Jiwon Oh from Barlo MS Centre join host Brett Drummond to unpack the full FENhance 1 & 2 trial results.
Together, they explore:
How fenebrutinib performed against teriflunomide in relapsing MS
Why BTK inhibition continues to generate strong interest across the MS treatment landscape
What the results reveal about relapse reduction, MRI outcomes, and disability progression
What the safety profile of fenebrutinib looked like in this cohort of patients
Listen for a deep dive into the science, clinical context, and future implications for MS care.

Imaging techniques in multiple sclerosis are evolving rapidly, with MRI and emerging biomarkers playing a central role in diagnosis, prognosis and disease monitoring.
In this episode of the ECTRIMS Podcast, neurologist Gabriel Bsteh and host Brett Drummond explore how MRI, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and imaging biomarkers are reshaping the way clinicians diagnose and manage MS.
They discuss the 2024 updates to the McDonald diagnostic criteria, including the introduction of the central vein sign (CVS), paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL), and the inclusion of the optic nerve.
The episode also examines how imaging biomarkers may be used to:
Predict disease progression
Provide prognostic information at diagnosis
Monitor neuro-axonal damage over time
Support treatment decisions and personalised medicine
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in multiple sclerosis, MRI, OCT, biomarkers, and advances in MS research and care.

How much do the labels used to describe multiple sclerosis actually reflect the lived experience of people affected by the disease?
In this first episode of the new ECTRIMS–MS Journal collaboration series, host Dr. Anneke van der Walt, Controversies Editor at the Multiple Sclerosis Journal, speaks with Jon Strum, MS caregiver and host of the RealTalk MS podcast, and Kathryn Smith, patient advocate and volunteer with the National MS Society, and person living with MS.
Together they explore a deceptively simple question: does the label given to an MS disease course actually matter?
Jon argues that disease labels shape perception, communication and expectations for people living with MS and their families. Kathryn explains why those same labels increasingly fail to capture the day-to-day reality of living with the disease.
They discuss:
Why traditional MS disease course labels can feel disconnected from lived experience
The emotional and practical impact of terms such as relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive
The concept of PIRA (progression independent of relapse activity) and what it reveals about MS progression
Why functional outcomes and patient experience should play a greater role in how MS is described
The importance of patient voice in research, clinical conversations and scientific publishing
 
Although they begin from opposing viewpoints, Jon and Kathryn ultimately arrive at a shared conclusion: the MS community may need a new language — one that better reflects biology, individual experience and the realities of living with the disease.
Note: This episode is part of the MS Journal Controversies in MS series, specifically its new Controversies: Patient Voice section – a dedicated space highlighting the lived experiences of people affected by MS. Please see the following articles for more information:
"Yes" – The label does matter
"No" – The label does not matter
Commentary