Clinica Marcolin

MS and Autism Affinity Group:

Lead: Marco Marcolin, MD, PhD, Bianca Bellini, MD, Manuel Casanova, MD
Group Description: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial group of neurodevelopmental disorders whose treatment relies primarily on symptomatic interventions. Research on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in ASD is still at an early stage. Still, many research studies, with limited numbers of high-functioning individuals, have proven to normalize executive functions, repetitive behaviors, dysatunomic symptoms, and brainwave oscillatory abnormalities. Benefits have been achieved with little in terms of side effects. This affinity discussion group aims to increase awareness as to this potential therapeutic intervention while broadening research collaboration. We aim to foster concerted international efforts promoting a phase III clinical trial, discuss the best stimulation parameters for this patient population, examine the need for booster shots after TMS therapy, and help screen for potential baseline biomarkers that may be able to predict outcome.

TMS & Ketamine Affinity Group:

Lead: Steve Best, MD, Robert Pollack, MD, Rocky Sullivan, DO
Group Description: Interest is rising in combining TMS with ketamine to harness the synergistic effect of these two conventional interventions for treatment-resistant depression. We are proposing an affinity group where members can meet to share clinical cases to better establish treatment protocols, share data, and advocate for this breakthrough treatment.