Expert review finds no evidence that corticosteroids slow ALS progression
Original source
Glucocorticoid Corticosteroids (opens in a new tab)An ALS Untangled expert review found that preclinical and clinical trials have not shown a clinical benefit from corticosteroids in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The review does not recommend corticosteroids to slow ALS progression at this time. Some people with ALS have reported improved weakness, but these reports are difficult to interpret.
Why this matters
This means corticosteroids should not be viewed as an established treatment for slowing ALS. They can cause side effects, with greater risks at higher doses or with prolonged use. Further research into immune-system modulation in ALS is ongoing, but this review does not show a treatment benefit today.
Limitations and context
This is an independent expert review, not a new clinical trial or primary research study. The review does not provide a single study size or treatment result, and the reported individual improvements came from self-reports with uncertain diagnosis, limited clinical data, and differences in drug type and dose. Treatment decisions should be discussed with a clinician.