FutureMS-2 update
Aug 2024: An update on the FutureMS-2 project
We chatted with Dawn Lyle, MS (Multiple Sclerosis) & Neuroimmunology Hub Manager at the Clinic for an update on the FutureMS-2 project.
What is your role at the Anne Rowling Clinic?
In my role I oversee the planning, governance and delivery of multiple sclerosis (MS) and Neuroimmunology projects at the Anne Rowling Clinic and ensure they are carried out to the highest standards. As part of this, I manage the Future MS-2 project across the 5 research sites across Scotland.
I am involved in the set-up of new MS research projects and the establishment of the MS and Neuroimmunology Hub which incorporates NHS Care, MS research and continued education opportunities for those working in the field of MS and Neuroimmunology.
Before moving into my current role, I was the Lead Research Nurse at the Anne Rowling Clinic, and I was involved in the day to day running of our MS research projects.
What is FutureMS-2 and why is it important?
This project follows on from the FutureMS study which recruited its first patient in 2016. FutureMS is a longitudinal cohort study, which means we are following the MS journeys of 440 people across Scotland. People with MS were recruited within 6 months of diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS. Participants were then followed up one year later, and then with Future MS-2 they were followed up at year 5. The next project time point will be at year 10.
The data collected will help improve the understanding of MS and how it progresses, through analysis of cognitive, quality of life and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) data, and sampling for blood biomarkers.
This is a unique project collecting data on people in Scotland with MS over an extended period. It is important as it will inform MS care going forward. It aims to improve the knowledge and understanding of those delivering care to people with MS by providing the information required to develop tools to help predict the course of progression of MS.
What is the latest news on the FutureMS-2 project?
We are currently at the end of data collection for year 5. All the participants who took part in the original FutureMS study were invited to attend for follow-up at year 5 and we were really pleased that most people were keen to continue taking part.
We are excited to have reached this point in the project. Our researchers are continually analysing the data collected and comparing this to the data from previous visits. We have already published 15 scientific studies describing our findings from FutureMS, and you can read summaries on our website here.
We are keeping in touch with project participants and hope that they will come back and see us for their year 10 time point between 2025 and 2027. The more people who stay with us for this long-term study, the better our results will be.
It is thanks to all those who have participated in the project that we have the large amount of data we do, so we’d like to say a big thank you to all the FutureMS participants continue to contribute to this unique and important research.
Sponsers and funders
Co-sponsors: The University of Edinburgh and Lothian Health Board
Funders: Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic; Precision Medicine Scotland Innovation Centre
Related links
Find out what it's like to participate in research by watching our Participant Stories videos
Browse our list of research projects at Find a Research Project