icobrain ms for active relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

The technology described in this briefing is icobrain ms. It is used to assess disease activity or early signs of disease progression from brain MRI scans in people with active relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).

The innovative aspects are that icobrain ms quantifies the brain MRI scans and summarises clinically relevant findings in concise structured electronic radiological reports with annotated images.

The intended place in therapy would be when monitoring disease activity in people with active relapsing–remitting MS, including when making a clinical decision to switch therapy.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 6 studies (3 non-randomised comparative studies and 3 technical validation studies). They show that icobrain ms has comparable accuracy for brain volume assessment compared with Structural Image Evaluation using Normalisation of Atrophy (SIENA) analysis in people with relapsing–remitting MS. The evidence suggests that the technology reduces staff reporting time.

Key uncertainties around the evidence or technology are that the evidence is limited in quantity and quality and primarily assesses the technical validity of the technology. There is no evidence for its use in the NHS.

Experts advised that icobrain ms is innovative, but can only be used in addition to current practice. They added that there is evidence for system benefits because of reductions in staff time, but more evidence is needed to verify the claimed patient benefits.

The cost of icobrain ms ranges from £30,000 to £60,000 per year (excluding VAT). This is in addition to standard care.