Multiple Sclerosis & Related Disorders: A Comprehensive Review 2025

Course Overview

This course will provide an updated overview of emerging concepts in multiple sclerosis (MS) and related immune-mediated disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Novel therapies for MS continue to be developed, each with unique mechanisms of action. While significant progress has been made in reducing relapse rates, progressive forms of the disease remain a major area of unmet need. The course will explore recent advancements in managing progressive MS, including detailed discussions of successful Phase 3 clinical trials.

It is now well recognized that several autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the brain and spinal cord can mimic MS, often leading to misdiagnosis. Some of these disorders are associated with specific autoantibodies, while in others, the immune system’s target antigen remains unidentified. Notably, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease (MOGAD) are two such conditions with well-characterized autoimmune targets. The discovery of novel antibodies has also expanded the spectrum of autoimmune encephalitides, further complicating the diagnostic landscape of antibody-mediated CNS inflammatory diseases.

Of particular interest are CNS disorders associated with systemic cancer and cancer immunotherapy. Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes may provide early clues to an underlying malignancy, and treating the cancer can sometimes improve the neurological condition. Additionally, immune-related adverse events involving the CNS from checkpoint inhibitor therapies are increasingly being recognized, presenting new challenges in the management of patients with systemic malignancy receiving immunotherapy.

Accurate diagnosis and timely initiation of appropriate therapies are critical. This distinction is essential not only for diagnostic clarity but also to avoid therapeutic missteps. Misdiagnosing disorders such as NMOSD or MOGAD as MS can lead to harm, as treatments effective for MS may worsen these other conditions. Fortunately, recent advancements have led to the development of more precise diagnostic criteria for MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD, which will be reviewed during the course.

The program will include real-world case studies highlighting challenging diagnostic and therapeutic scenarios. Interactive sessions, including case presentations, faculty-led discussions, panel debates, and Q&A segments, will provide opportunities for direct engagement and knowledge exchange between faculty and attendees.

Target Audience

The course is aimed primarily at:

• General neurologists
• Pediatric neurologists
• Neuro-ophthalmologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Neuro-oncologists
• Psychiatrists
• Internists
• Hospitalists
• Intensivists
• Fellows and residents
• Nurse practitioners and nurses
• Pharmacists
• Allied healthcare professionals involved in neurological patient care

General practitioners will find the topics timely and useful. Pharmacists will find the course helpful since all three approved therapies are complicated, and a knowledge of these therapies will facilitate better care. Neuro-oncologists and neurosurgeons will particularly find the course educational since acute tumefactive lesions seen in NMOSD can be mistaken for tumors and result in avoidable surgeries and biopsies.

Accreditation

The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 7.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

Diagnosis and Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Apply international diagnostic criteria for MS to facilitate early and appropriate use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).
• Assess MRI criteria for MS diagnosis using the most appropriate and up-to-date MRI sequences.
• Evaluate the role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis in the current diagnostic framework for MS.

Treatment Advances in MS

• Examine the current status and application of DMTs in MS treatment.
• Explore advancements in cell-based therapies, including CAR-T cells and stem cell approaches.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD)

• Develop a clinical approach to identifying and diagnosing early features of NMOSD using current diagnostic criteria.
• Understand how NMOSD criteria differ from those for MS and other CNS autoimmune disorders.
• Examine the role of complement in NMOSD pathogenesis and evaluate the utility of complement blockade as a treatment.
• Understand the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in NMOSD pathogenesis and evaluate anti–IL-6 receptor modulators for treatment.
• Analyze the role of B cells in NMOSD and evaluate anti–B cell therapies in its management.

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD)

• Recognize and differentiate clinical presentations of optic neuritis likely associated with anti-MOG antibodies from those caused by NMOSD or MS.
• Distinguish the key clinical and diagnostic features that differentiate NMOSD from MOGAD.

Special Topics

• Identify family planning challenges unique to patients with MS versus those with NMOSD.
• Understand the mechanisms underlying central nervous system (CNS) complications of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.

Disclosure and Conflict of Interest Mitigation

All conflicts of interest of any individual(s) in a position to control the content of this CME activity will be identified and mitigated prior to this educational activity being provided. Disclosure about provider and faculty relationships, or the lack thereof, will be provided to learners.

For More Information

www.cme.med.miami.edu
Division of Continuing Medical Education
Tel: 305-243-8385
Email: cme@med.miami.edu

Hotel

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach
1111 N. Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
Tel: +1-954-874-4444

Special Conference Group Rate

A block of rooms has been reserved for the conference participants at a discounted rate:

• US $259/night +13% tax/day for 1 King Bed (Up to 2 Adults)
• US $279/night +13% tax/day for 2 Queen Beds (Up to 4 Adults)

Room rate includes:

• Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi Internet in all guest rooms and meeting space
• 24-Hour Access to Fitness Center
• Two beach chairs and one umbrella
• Beach Bike Rental
• Bottled Water in Guestroom
• In-Room Coffee
• Local calls

Reservations

Room reservations will be made by individual attendees by clicking on the provided direct link to online reservations or by calling 954-874-4444 before September 24, 2025. You must reference UM NMOSD 2025 to attain the group rate.

All individual reservations must be accompanied by a first-night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. The hotel will not hold any reservations unless secured by one of the above methods.

Parking Rates

• Special Event Valet Parking ($18 per car, per day – For non-overnight guests only)
• Overnight Valet Parking ($20 per car, per night)