The EMSP 2026 Conference in Berlin highlighted how much is currently evolving in multiple sclerosis (MS) – from improved diagnostics and emerging therapies to long-overdue topics like fatigue, PIRA, and menopause.

In this episode, I share my personal insights from Day 1 on site and summarize the key developments from Day 2. We explore why the "MS iceberg" is still widely misunderstood, how new approaches like CAR-T and stem cell therapy are shaping the future, and why access to care across Europe remains a major challenge.

👉 Read the full blog article:
https://ms-perspektive.de/en/164-emsp

• Personal impressions from EMSP 2026 in Berlin
• Patient stories: MS and NMOSD
• McDonald Criteria 2024 and improved MS diagnosis
• The "MS iceberg" and invisible symptoms like fatigue
• Poster insights: fatigue as a key burden in MS
• MS Selfie and decision support tools for immunotherapies
• CAR-T cell therapy and stem cell therapy
• Menopause and MS
• PIRA (Progression Independent of Relapse Activity)
• Access to MS care across Europe

👉 Barbara Willekens on CAR-T cell therapy
👉 Christoph Heesen on stem cell therapy
👉 Roland Martin on aHSCT
👉 Riley Bove on menopause & MS
👉 Gavin Giovannoni on PIRA
👉 Fatigue article
👉 Article: From Fatigue to Focus (ECTRIMS insights)
👉 MS Selfie Microsite: https://msselfie.co.uk/
👉 McDonald Criterie 2024

👉 Full blog article:
https://ms-perspektive.de/en/164-emsp

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

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In this episode, I speak with neurologist and researcher Professor Barbara Willekens about one of the most exciting and complex developments in MS research: CAR-T cell therapy.

Originally developed for blood cancers, this innovative treatment is now being explored for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. We discuss how CAR-T therapy works, how it differs from existing MS treatments, and why it may have the potential to "reset" the immune system.

At the same time, we take a close look at the current scientific evidence, including early clinical data, safety concerns, and why this therapy is still far from routine clinical use. You'll also learn who might be eligible for current trials and what the future of CAR-T in MS care could look like.

You can read the full blog article here: https://ms-perspektive.de/EN/163-car-t-cell-therapy

• What CAR-T cell therapy is and how it works
• Why B cells play a key role in MS
• How CAR-T differs from current MS treatments
• What "immune reset" means—and why it's still a hypothesis
• Who might be eligible for CAR-T therapy trials
• Risks such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity
• What we can learn from lupus and cancer research
• Where clinical trials are currently taking place
• Why experts are both hopeful and cautious

• Previous episode: MS Brain Health Strategy (Episode 125)
• Clinical trials database: https://clinicaltrials.gov
• Mackensen et al., Nature Medicine (2022) – CAR-T in lupus
• DiLillo et al., Blood Advances (2021)

Note: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.

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

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Pain is one of the most common and challenging symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this episode, neurologist and pain specialist Dr. Camelia Ionescu explains how pain in MS develops—and how a multimodal approach can help manage it effectively.

👉 This episode is based on an interview originally recorded in German (January 2025) and has been translated to make these important insights accessible to an international audience.

You'll learn how different types of pain arise, why treatment must be individualized, and how combining medication, physiotherapy, psychological support, and self-management strategies can improve quality of life.

• What causes pain in multiple sclerosis
• The difference between nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain
• Which medication options are available
• How physiotherapy and interdisciplinary care support pain relief
• Why psychological assessment and therapy are essential
• How patients can strengthen self-empowerment in everyday life
• Which complementary and alternative approaches may help
• When multimodal pain therapy becomes necessary

👉 You can find the full article with all questions and detailed answers here:
https://ms-perspektive.de/en/162-pain-relief

For further information and support, these organizations provide reliable, up-to-date resources:

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• MS International Federation
• International Association for the Study of Pain

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Dr. Camelia Ionescu: I would like to tell everyone affected: Do not give up! There are always ways to relieve pain and improve quality of life. It can take time, but together we will find the right solution.

Nele von Horsten: Thank you very much, Dr. Ionescu, for the insights and valuable tips. Your work is so important. Thank you!

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

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.