MS trial underway at the LGH

MRI Senior Specialist Radiographer Joanne Brumby is assisting with the study.

September

An exciting new clinical trial measuring the effects of magnetic brain stimulation (MBS) on people with multiple sclerosis has commenced at the Launceston General Hospital.

A phase two trial, TAURUS 2 is being coordinated by the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research.

The Clifford Craig Foundation is supporting the Northern Tasmanian component, led by Neurologist Dr Lauren Giles. 

An interventional study, TAURUS 2 commenced at the LGH in August and aims to determine whether magnetic brain stimulation improves the MS functional composite score for people living with MS.

MS patients attend clinics over a five-month period and are randomly assigned to a treatment group – the MBS group or the placebo group.

Participants are also required to have Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) before and after each MBS or placebo sessions, to assess whether MBS effectively increases brain myelin levels.

The first patient was recruited to the study last month and shared some lovely feedback about her experience with MRI Senior Specialist Radiographer Joanne Brumby, who is assisting with the MRI component of the study.

“I cannot speak more highly regarding the attention, enthusiasm, excitement and passion displayed by Jo,” the patient said.

“She went over and above to make me feel comfortable, explain the objectives of the MRI and make it as stressless as possible for me. 

“She actively communicated with me through the 60-minute MRI. She stayed back at the end to further explain to my husband and I the imaging, in basic terms and what the trial was trying to achieve.

“Her attention to detail and commitment were outstanding.  I hope all the other MS trial participants have the same experience I did. 

“She is a valuable asset to the LGH, MRI services and to the TAURUS trial.”

More than 100 patients with MS have been recruited for this trial, which will be conducted at sites in Northern Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, WA and Queensland in addition to the Menzies Institute for Medical Research in Hobart.

Joanne said it was a wonderful that this trial was being offered to patients at the LGH.

“We have such a significant MS contingent in the community and we see these patients come through constantly,” she said.

 “So, it’s really nice to know that through this trial, we are helping them and providing some hope for the future.”