Blood Biomarker Could Foretell MS Relapses Through Blood Testing

A pioneering study suggests that blood testing for specific proteins may enable healthcare providers to predict multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses before they manifest. Researchers found that levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), a protein released during nerve cell damage, rise notably in MS patients up to a year prior to a relapse. This discovery was shared at the European Academy of Neurology meeting in Helsinki.

This innovative approach to early detection could significantly improve patient outcomes by allowing clinicians to prepare and adjust treatments to delay or mitigate symptom flare-ups, thus potentially slowing disease progression. Maria Martinez-Serrat, lead researcher and doctoral student at the Medical University of Graz, emphasized the potential for integrating serum NfL (sNfL) testing into routine MS management, highlighting its capacity to help physicians anticipate disease activity, evaluate how well treatments are working, and personalize patient care.

MS is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks myelin, the protective covering of nerve fibers. This results in a range of neurological issues, including impaired mobility, vision problems, and cognitive difficulties. Patients often experience periods of remission, with varying durations of symptom-free recovery.

The study analyzed data from 162 MS patients over approximately a decade, revealing that elevated sNfL levels could predict impending relapses, especially during remission phases. During an active relapse, sNfL levels are already high due to ongoing nerve damage, which limits its predictive utility during these periods. However, unexpected rises during remission can signal hidden disease activity, serving as an early warning sign.

While promising, the researchers caution against relying solely on sNfL levels, as MS is a complex disease influenced by various factors, including treatments and lifestyle. They suggest that future research should explore combining sNfL with other biomarkers to develop a comprehensive disease monitoring system.

The findings underscore the importance of biomarkers in managing MS, enabling more targeted interventions and improved quality of life for patients. The sNfL test also reflects recent nerve damage, remaining elevated for several months after a relapse, which provides a window for early therapeutic action.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-blood-ms-relapse.html