Weill Cornell Medicine Multiple Sclerosis Imaging Research
As novel therapeutics focused on repair and neuroprotection are developed for multiple sclerosis, the need for accurate markers to measure the disease is essential in order to translate these agents from the lab to clinical trials in patients with MS. Our imaging program is a novel multi-modality program for MS, which includes both MRI and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). We focus our efforts on developing new methods to measure ongoing myelin and nerve damage in patients with MS.
We have a robust clinical research infrastructure that is underpinned by sophisticated clinical and MRI databases. This platform manages longitudinal data on over 1,500 patients on an ongoing basis. The platform’s multi-modality imaging program, led by Dr. Susan Gauthier, incorporates both animal and human imaging, utilizing both MRI and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). With the infrastructure, platform and relationships in place, we are focused specifically on applying markers to the quantification of myelin and inflammation. By researching and validating novel imaging MS biomarkers, and utilizing these imaging modalities to make discoveries regarding the ongoing pathological processes, we can further enhance our understanding of potential therapeutic targets.