The ECTRIMS Podcast

Welcome to MS Research Briefs, a new ECTRIMS podcast series delivering an expert guided tour of important new studies in multiple sclerosis research.
In each episode, leading MS experts will take a small number of recently published studies and go beyond the headline findings – exploring what the research shows and how it may influence clinical practice and future discovery.
In this inaugural episode, Prof. Alan Thompson and Prof. Olga Ciccarelli discuss two studies exploring how advanced MRI biomarkers and machine learning may transform the diagnosis and prognosis of multiple sclerosis.
Featured Publications
Paramagnetic Rim Lesions and Development of Clinical MS in Radiologically Isolated Syndrome.
JAMA Neurology. 2026;83(3):250–258.
Machine learning-based combination of the central vein sign, cortical lesions and paramagnetic rim lesions: a web-based tool for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Brain Communications. 2026;8(2):fcag079.
Discussed in this episode
Can paramagnetic rim lesions identify individuals with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) who are most likely to develop clinical MS?
Why do paramagnetic rim lesions appear to be stronger prognostic biomarkers while the central vein sign remains a powerful diagnostic biomarker?
Can machine learning models combining MRI biomarkers outperform traditional dissemination-in-space criteria?
What role might advanced MRI biomarkers play in future diagnostic criteria and treatment decisions?
How close are we to AI-supported diagnosis and automated biomarker detection in routine clinical practice?
As advanced MRI biomarkers move from research tools towards clinically meaningful decision-making, this episode explores one of the most important developments in contemporary MS research.

Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis have been linked for decades, but how strong is the evidence – and what does it mean for clinical practice?
In this episode of the ECTRIMS Podcast, host Brett Drummond speaks with Prof. Eric Thouvenot from University Hospital of Nimes and Dr. Deborah Mason from Christchurch Hospital about the evolving science behind vitamin D and MS.
Together, they explore:
Why vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased MS risk
The influence of latitude, sunlight exposure and genetics
How vitamin D affects immune regulation and inflammation
Findings from recent vitamin D supplementation trials
As researchers continue to investigate vitamin D's role in MS, this episode provides a balanced look at what we know, what remains uncertain, and what it means for patient care.

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.