#155: Genetic subtypes in MS. What they mean for your progression and treatment with Dr. Karim Kreft

Why does multiple sclerosis progress very differently from person to person? And could your genes help predict your individual MS pathway in the future?

In this episode of the MS Perspektive Podcast, I speak with neurologist and researcher Dr. Karim Kreft from the University of Nottingham about his groundbreaking work on genetic subtypes in MS.

His research explores whether known MS risk genes may also influence long-term disease progression and response to treatment. Using genetic clustering methods, his team identified three distinct genetic groups of MS patients – with interesting differences in progression and treatment benefit.

While this research is not yet ready for clinical use, it offers an exciting glimpse into the future of personalized medicine in MS.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• How much genetics actually contributes to MS risk

• What "genetic clustering" means in simple terms

• Why MS is such a heterogeneous disease

• The three identified genetic subtypes in MS

• Why one group benefited significantly more from treatment

• Whether mild MS patients benefit differently from medication

• The limitations of real-world data in MS research

• Why future MS care may move beyond clinical labels

• When genetic testing might become part of routine care

About My Guest

Dr. Karim Kreft is a consultant neurologist and Associate Professor in Neurology at the University of Nottingham, UK. His research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind MS progression and improving personalized treatment strategies.

A Hopeful Outlook

Genetic testing has become dramatically more affordable in recent years. Although validation studies are still needed, this research may one day help predict prognosis and guide treatment decisions more precisely – potentially within the next decade.

As always: this episode provides scientific insights but does not replace individual medical advice.

Connect & Follow

You can follow Dr. Kreft's research updates via LinkedIn and through the University of Nottingham.

Read the full interview on genetic subtypes in MS and their impact on progression and treatment on my blog at: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/155-genetic-subtypes

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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