Real-world Experience of Oral Agents On Fatigability in Multiple Sclerosis (ROOF-MS)

TC Erciyes University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06843382

ROOF-MS

Details and patient eligibility

About

This multicenter, prospective, real-world study evaluates how two commonly used oral disease-modifying therapies-teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate-affect physical and cognitive fatigability in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Fatigability refers to an objective decline in physical or cognitive performance during sustained activity and represents a major barrier to daily functioning for many individuals with MS.

Participants starting either teriflunomide or dimethyl fumarate as part of routine clinical care will be followed for 12 months at regular visits (baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). At each visit, standardized assessments will measure walking endurance, gait performance, hand function, and information-processing speed. Patient-reported outcomes about fatigue, mood, quality of life, and daily functioning will also be collected. Brain MRI scans performed as part of usual care will be reviewed to document disease activity.

The goal of the ROOF-MS study is to understand whether these two therapies differ in their impact on physical and cognitive fatigability, functional outcomes, symptom burden, and real-world treatment adherence. Because this is an observational study, no experimental treatments are given, and all clinical decisions remain the responsibility of the treating physicians.

By examining fatigability in everyday clinical settings, this study aims to generate evidence that can help patients, families, and health care providers make more informed treatment decisions.

Full description

This investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective observational cohort study examines longitudinal changes in physical and cognitive fatigability among adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) initiating teriflunomide or dimethyl fumarate as part of routine clinical care. The study integrates standardized fatigability assessments into real-world clinical workflows across participating neurology centers.

Fatigability represents an objective performance decline during sustained motor or cognitive activity and provides information that is complementary to subjective fatigue ratings. To quantify physical fatigability, the study applies a structured 6-Minute Walk Test protocol in which distance covered during each minute is recorded. The primary physical fatigability index (DWI6-1) is calculated as the percentage change between the first and sixth minutes, enabling sensitive detection of time-dependent gait deterioration. Cognitive fatigability is quantified via a timed Symbol Digit Modalities Test procedure in which correct responses are recorded at three consecutive 30-second intervals. The Cognitive Fatigability Index (CFI-SDMT) reflects the proportional change between early and late test performance. Both indices allow continuous modeling of longitudinal trajectories and group differences.

All assessments are performed at baseline (within 30 days of treatment initiation) and at months 3, 6, 9, and 12. Functional performance measures (6MWT total distance, Timed 25-Foot Walk, Nine-Hole Peg Test), clinical evaluations (EDSS), patient-reported outcomes (FIS, TSQM, HADS), and MRI findings obtained during routine care are incorporated to contextualize patterns of fatigability. Test administration is standardized across centers through written manuals and joint training sessions. To minimize diurnal variability, fatigability tests are scheduled at approximately the same time of day for each participant.

Because the study is non-interventional, treatment decisions-including drug choice, dosing, and management of side effects-are determined solely by treating physicians. Data are recorded in a secure electronic capture platform using coded identifiers, with center-level access restrictions and prospective time-locked entry to maintain data integrity. All analyses follow a predefined statistical plan using mixed-effects modeling with participant- and center-level random effects to account for repeated measures and between-center heterogeneity.

This study aims to clarify real-world differences in fatigability trajectories between teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate and to determine how these trajectories relate to functional performance, symptomatic burden, radiological disease activity, and treatment adherence in routine MS care.

Enrollment: 100 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 75 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS or active SPMS) diagnosis, confirmed according to the 2017 revised McDonald criteria.
• 18 years or older at the time of enrollment.
• Newly initiated teriflunomide treatment as part of routine clinical care.
• Ambulatory status (EDSS ≤ 7.0), capable of completing study assessments.
• Ability and willingness to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures.

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS).
• Severe comorbidities affecting mobility or cognitive function (e.g., advanced cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neuromuscular disease).
• Neurological or psychiatric conditions that prevent cognitive testing (e.g., advanced cognitive impairment, untreated severe depression).
• Severe upper extremity motor dysfunction, limiting 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) or Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) completion.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding at the time of enrollment.
• Inability to comply with study visits at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months.

Trial design

100 participants in 2 patient groups

Teriflunomide Cohort

Description:

Participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis who initiate teriflunomide as part of routine clinical care. Individuals in this cohort undergo standardized assessments of physical and cognitive fatigability, functional performance, clinical status, patient-reported outcomes, and routinely obtained MRI findings at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. No experimental treatment is administered, and all therapeutic decisions remain under the responsibility of the treating physician.

Dimethyl Fumarate Cohort

Description:

Participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis who initiate dimethyl fumarate as part of routine clinical care. Individuals in this cohort complete standardized evaluations of physical and cognitive fatigability, functional performance, clinical status, patient-reported outcomes, and routinely acquired MRI measures at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. No experimental intervention is provided, and all treatment decisions are made independently by the treating physician.