Ehde receives clinical trial planning grant from International Progressive MS Association

Chronic pain affects seven in 10 adults with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PMS). Psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness have proven effective in managing chronic pain, but their application to PMS remains under-explored. A new clinical trial planning grant for $110,000 from the International Progressive MS Association will help change that.

The grant team was noted by grant reviews as international experts in clinical trials for rehabilitation and behavioral interventions for chronic pain in MS. The team is led by Dawn Ehde, PhD; and includes Sarah Simmons, MD, PhD; Kevin Alschuler, PhD; Mark Jensen, PhD; Andrew Humbert, PhD; and Melissa Day, PhD. This award is part of a pipeline of funding that will allow the team to compete for additional awards. 

The project will start by assessing the unique needs and preferences of individuals with PMS through stakeholder meetings and data analysis, generating insights into tailored interventions. Subsequently, the team will adapt the most preferred interventions and test their feasibility and acceptability in adults with PMS. 

The project goal is to develop a comprehensive grant proposal and study protocol for a large-scale randomized controlled trial, with the ultimate goal of advancing understanding of pain management in PMS and improving outcomes for those affected.