A new technology to better track MS progression

Thanks to donor support, Providence Multiple Sclerosis Center is now equipped with Icometrix – a tool that uses artificial intelligence to identify microscopic disease progression in patients with MS.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting over 1 million people across the U.S. While there is no known cure for MS, treatment is available to help slow or stop disease progression.

Patients navigating a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis receive regular MRI scans to monitor the number of lesions within the brain and/or spine. Even the most experienced radiologist may not be able to see increased damage on an MRI scan. Icometrix analyzes the lesions with microscopic precision and measures them against prior scans to identify progression that cannot be seen with the naked eye. 

Using Icometrix gives physicians an opportunity to modify treatment before the patient sustains more damage.

For patients with multiple sclerosis, disease progression can mean increased symptoms, including vision loss, difficulty with balance or coordination, brain fog, increased or new disability, or other symptoms. With Icometrix and thanks to donor investment, patients at Providence will receive better multiple sclerosis care and faster adjustment in treatment to preserve their quality of life.

“Today, we have over 20 different medications for MS of various classes and strengths. Icometrix gives us an opportunity to be more effective in our selection of medications. We can know when we are not on the right track. That is an enormous amount of additional information that we’ve never had before.”  - Stanley Cohan, MD, PhD, Medical Director at Providence MS Center

Icometrix assessment of an MRI scan of a patient with MS. From left to right, the gold bars compare 1). the amount of disease present 18 months ago, 2). the amount of disease currently present and 3.) the total amount of increase in disease.