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Tunç A, Yetkin MF, Seferoğlu M, İnanç Y, Sıvacı AÖ, Türkoğlu ŞA, Baydar C, Güzel V, Bülbül NG, Sezer V, Altun Y. Recurring disease activity in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: The multicenter RDA-RMS study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 88:105757. [PMID: 38972107 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigates the gap in understanding the dynamics of recurring disease activity (RDA) in RRMS patients after fingolimod (FGL) treatment discontinuation. The aim is to investigate RDA in RRMS patients after stopping FGL, aiming to improve management and comprehension of disease progression post-treatment. METHODS In this multicenter, retrospective study, data from 172 of 944 RRMS patients aged 18-55, across nine centers in Turkey, who discontinued FGL treatment, were analyzed. The collected data included EDSS scores, annualized relapse rates (ARR), lymphocyte counts, and MRI findings, with follow-up assessments conducted at 6 months, 1 year, and up to 2 years. RESULTS RDA was observed in 31.9 % of patients, with incidences of rebound and reactivation at 20.3 % and 11.6 %, respectively. Factors like younger age, longer treatment duration, lower lymphocyte counts, and higher lesion burden increased RDA risk. Notably, 52.9 % of pregnant patients experienced RDA (16.4 % of the overall RDA group), with rebound occurring in six and reactivation in three. Patients with RDA had longer medication-free intervals and increased ARR. Discontinuation reasons varied, with disease progression linked to a lower RDA risk. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the necessity for personalized management and vigilant monitoring after FGL discontinuation in RRMS patients, offering critical insights into RDA risk factors, and the complex interplay between treatment cessation, pregnancy, and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkadir Tunç
- Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Sakarya, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Fatih Yetkin
- Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Meral Seferoğlu
- University Of Health Sciences Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training And Research Hospital, Department of Neurology, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Yılmaz İnanç
- Kahramanmaraș Sütçü İmam University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Kahramanmaraș, Turkey
| | - Ali Özhan Sıvacı
- University Of Health Sciences Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training And Research Hospital, Department of Neurology, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Şule Aydın Türkoğlu
- Abant İzzet Baysal University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Caner Baydar
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Van, Turkey
| | - Vildan Güzel
- Bezmialem Vakıf University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nazlı Gamze Bülbül
- Haydarpaşa Sultan Abdülhamid Han Training And Research Hospital, Department of Neurology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Vasfiye Sezer
- Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Yaşar Altun
- Adıyaman University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Adıyaman, Turkey
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Gelibter S, Saraceno L, Pirro F, Susani EL, Protti A. As time goes by: Treatment challenges in elderly people with multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 391:578368. [PMID: 38761652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
A demographic shift in multiple sclerosis (MS) is leading to an increased number of elderly people with MS (pwMS) and a rise in late-onset MS (LOMS) cases. This shift adds complexity to the treatment management of these patients, due to enhanced treatment-associated risks and the possible interplay between immunosenescence and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). In the present paper, we performed a systematic review of the current evidence concerning the relationship between aging and treatment management in elderly pwMS. Our literature search identified 35 original studies relevant to this topic. The gathered evidence consistently indicates a diminished efficacy of DMTs in older pwMS, particularly in preventing disability accrual. Against this background, high-efficacy therapies (HETs) appear to show less benefit over moderate-low-efficacy DMTs in older patients. These data mainly derive from observational retrospective studies or meta-analyses conducted on randomized clinical trials (RCTs). RCTs, however, exclude pwMS older than 55 years, limiting our ability to acquire robust evidence regarding this patient group. Regarding treatment discontinuation in elderly pwMS with stable disease, the available data, which mainly focuses on older injectable DMTs, suggests that their suspension appears to be relatively safe in terms of disease activity. Nevertheless, the first RCT specifically targeting treatment discontinuation recently failed to demonstrate the non-inferiority of treatment discontinuation over continuation, in terms of MRI activity. On the other hand, the evidence on the impact of discontinuation on disease progression is more conflicting and less robust. Furthermore, there is an important lack of studies concerning sequestering DMTs and virtually no data on the discontinuation of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. De-escalation strategy is gaining attention as a de-risking approach alternative to complete treatment discontinuation. It may be defined as the decision to shift from HETs to less potent DMTs in elderly pwMS who have a stable disease. This strategy could reduce treatment-related risks, while minimizing the risk of disease activity and progression potentially associated with treatment discontinuation. This approach, however, remains unexplored due to a lack of studies. Given these findings, the present scenario underlines the urgent need for more comprehensive and robust studies to develop optimized, data-driven treatment strategies for elderly pwMS and LOMS, addressing the unique challenges of MS treatment and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gelibter
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Saraceno
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Pirro
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Laura Susani
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Protti
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
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Wandall-Holm MF, Holm RP, Heick A, Langkilde AR, Magyari M. Risk of T 2 lesions when discontinuing fingolimod: a nationwide predictive and comparative study. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcad358. [PMID: 38214014 PMCID: PMC10783644 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Fingolimod is a frequently used disease-modifying therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. However, case reports and small observational studies indicate a highly increased risk of disease reactivation after discontinuation. We aimed to investigate the risk of radiological disease reactivation in patients discontinuing fingolimod. We performed a nationwide cohort study in Denmark, including patients who discontinued fingolimod between January 2014 and January 2023. Eligibility was a diagnosis with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and two MRIs performed respectively within 1 year before and after discontinuing fingolimod. The included patients were compared with those discontinuing dimethyl fumarate with the same eligibility criteria in an unadjusted and matched propensity score analysis. Matching was done on age, sex, Expanded Disability Status Scale, MRI data, cause for treatment discontinuation, treatment duration and relapse rate. The main outcome was the presence of new T2 lesions on the first MRI after treatment discontinuation. To identify high-risk patients among those discontinuing fingolimod, we made a predictive model assessing risk factors for obtaining new T2 lesions. Of 1324 patients discontinuing fingolimod in the study period, 752 were eligible for inclusion [mean age (standard deviation), years, 41 (10); 552 females (73%); median Expanded Disability Status Scale (Q1-Q3), 2.5 (2.0-3.5); mean disease duration (standard deviation), years, 12 (8)]. Of 2044 patients discontinuing dimethyl fumarate in the study period, 957 were eligible for inclusion, presenting similar baseline characteristics. Among patients discontinuing fingolimod, 127 (17%) had 1-2 new T2 lesions, and 124 (17%) had ≥3 new T2 lesions compared with 114 (12%) and 45 (5%), respectively, for those discontinuing dimethyl fumarate, corresponding to odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.8 (1.3-2.3) and 4.4 (3.1-6.3). The predictive model, including 509 of the 752 patients discontinuing fingolimod, showed a highly increased risk of new T2 lesions among those with disease activity during fingolimod treatment and among females under 40 years. This nationwide study suggests that discontinuing fingolimod in some cases carries a risk of developing new T2 lesions, emphasizing the importance of clinical awareness. If feasible, clinicians should prioritize the prompt initiation of new disease-modifying therapies, particularly among young females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malthe Faurschou Wandall-Holm
- Department of Neurology, Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Glostrup DK-2600, Denmark
| | - Rolf Pringler Holm
- Department of Neurology, Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Glostrup DK-2600, Denmark
| | - Alex Heick
- Department of Neurology, Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Glostrup DK-2600, Denmark
| | - Annika Reynberg Langkilde
- Department of Radiology, Diagnostic Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Melinda Magyari
- Department of Neurology, Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Glostrup DK-2600, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Glostrup DK-2600, Denmark
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Maunula A, Atula S, Laakso SM, Tienari PJ. Frequency and risk factors of rebound after fingolimod discontinuation - A retrospective study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 81:105134. [PMID: 37980790 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fingolimod (FTY) rebound, a phenomenon of unexpectedly severe disease activity following FTY discontinuation, has been reported to occur in 5-43 % of patients. Only a few larger cohorts have been analyzed. We aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of FTY rebound in our hospital district in Southern Finland with a population of 1.7 million. METHODS We searched the Finnish MS-register for patients who were previous or current users of FTY for at least 6 months by November 2020. We assessed medical records and collected basic demographic data for the whole cohort. Criteria for a rebound were: (i) the most severe relapse in patient's history and an increase of at least 2 EDSS points during the relapse occurring within 6 months from FTY cessation, or (ii) more than one relapse within 6 months after FTY discontinuation, this being the highest relapse rate observed during the patient's lifetime. RESULTS Among 3496 MS patients, we found 331 patients ever starting FTY and 283 of them had used FTY for at least 6 months. Among these 283 patients we discovered a total of 114 discontinuation events in 110 patients. Of the discontinuations, 32 (28 %) were followed by a relapse: 20 (17.5 %) were ordinary relapses not fulfilling rebound criteria, and 12 (10.5 %) were rebounds. The median time to an ordinary relapse and rebound were similar: 8.5 weeks (range 1.3-23) and 9.9 weeks (range 5.9-15.9), respectively. The rebound group was younger at diagnosis (p = 0.034) and had used FTY for a longer time (p = 0.048) before discontinuation compared to the group without a relapse. After discontinuation, rebound group had lower lymphocyte values as compared to both ordinary relapse group (p = 0.027) and no-relapse group (p = 0.006) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was increased compared to the no-relapse group (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION In this study, 10.5 % of patients experienced a rebound, which is similar to the frequencies (10.3-12.5 %) obtained in other larger studies with >100 discontinuations. Relapses of any severity occurred in 28 % of patients discontinuing FTY, and therefore initiation of subsequent disease modifying therapies should occur promptly after discontinuation. Younger age at diagnosis, longer exposure to FTY and lower lymphocyte count as well as higher NLR after discontinuation were identified as risk factors for a rebound. The differences in blood leukocytes indicate that rebound might be a distinct pathophysiological phenomenon compared to an ordinary relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Maunula
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; HUS Brain Center, Department of Neurology, Hyvinkää Hospital, Hyvinkää, Finland.
| | - S Atula
- HUS Brain Center, Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S M Laakso
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; HUS Brain Center, Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - P J Tienari
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; HUS Brain Center, Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Vakrakou AG, Brinia ME, Alexaki A, Koumasopoulos E, Stathopoulos P, Evangelopoulos ME, Stefanis L, Stadelmann-Nessler C, Kilidireas C. Multiple faces of multiple sclerosis in the era of highly efficient treatment modalities: Lymphopenia and switching treatment options challenges daily practice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111192. [PMID: 37951198 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
The expanded treatment landscape in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) has resulted in highly effective treatment options and complexity in managing disease- or drug-related events during disease progression. Proper decision-making requires thorough knowledge of the immunobiology of MS itself and an understanding of the main principles behind the mechanisms that lead to secondary autoimmunity affecting organs other than the central nervous system as well as opportunistic infections. The immune system is highly adapted to both environmental and disease-modifying agents. Immune reconstitution following cell depletion or cell entrapment therapies eliminates pathogenic aspects of the disease but can also lead to distorted immune responses with harmful effects. Atypical relapses occur with second-line treatments or after their discontinuation and require appropriate clinical decisions. Lymphopenia is a result of the mechanism of action of many drugs used to treat MS. However, persistent lymphopenia and cell-specific lymphopenia could result in disease exacerbation, secondary autoimmunity, or the emergence of opportunistic infections. Clinicians treating patients with MS should be aware of the multiple faces of MS under novel, efficient treatment modalities and understand the intricate brain-immune cell interactions in the context of an altered immune system. MS relapses and disease progression still occur despite the current treatment modalities and are mediated either by failure to control effector mechanisms inherent to MS pathophysiology or by new drug-related mechanisms. The multiple faces of MS due to the highly adapted immune system of patients impose the need for appropriate switching therapies that safeguard disease remission and further clinical improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aigli G Vakrakou
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Neuropathology, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Maria-Evgenia Brinia
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Alexaki
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Koumasopoulos
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panos Stathopoulos
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleftheria Evangelopoulos
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Leonidas Stefanis
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Constantinos Kilidireas
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
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Prosperini L, Haggiag S, Ruggieri S, Tortorella C, Gasperini C. Stopping Disease-Modifying Treatments in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Real-World Studies. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:915-927. [PMID: 37740822 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The question of whether multiple sclerosis requires life-long disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) remains unanswered. Some studies suggest that older patients with stable disease may safely discontinue their DMTs, yet comprehensive evidence-based data are scarce and real-world studies have provided mixed results. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the rate of disease reactivation and associated risk factors after discontinuation of DMTs in patients with multiple sclerosis. METHODS We searched scientific databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar) to identify real-world studies published until 31 July, 2023 that reported the number of patients who experienced relapses and/or disability accrual (outcomes of interest) following a therapy discontinuation longer than 12 months. Magnetic resonance activity and treatment re-start after DMT discontinuation were also considered as additional outcomes. We excluded studies where therapy discontinuation was explicitly related to an unintended or planned pregnancy or preceded a treatment switch. We ran random-effects meta-analyses, subgroup analyses and meta-regression models to provide pooled estimates of post-discontinuation relapse and disability events, and to identify their potential moderators (predictors). RESULTS After an independent screening, 22 articles met the eligibility criteria, yielding a pooled sample size of 2942 patients followed for 1-7 years after discontinuation (11,689 patient-years). The pooled rates for relapse and disability events were 6.7 and 5.8 per 100 patient-years, respectively. However, available data did not allow us to disentangle isolated disability accrual from relapse-associated worsening. Studies including older patients (β = -0.65, p = 0.006), patients with a longer exposure to DMTs (β = -2.22, p = 0.001) and patients with a longer period of disease stability (β = -2.74, p = 0.002) showed a lower risk of relapse events. According to meta-regression equations, the risk of relapse events after DMT discontinuation became negligible (arbitrarily set at < 1% per year) at approximately 60 years of age, and after either 10 years of DMT exposure, or 8 years of disease stability. Additional analyses showed pooled rates for magnetic resonance imaging activity and re-start events of 16.7 and 17.5 per 100 patient-years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Based on our quantitative synthesis of real-world data, in the absence of definitive answers from clinical trials, DMT discontinuation appears feasible with a high degree of certainty in selected patients. While our findings are robust regarding relapse events, future efforts are warranted to determine if DMT discontinuation is associated with isolated disability accrual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Prosperini
- Department of Neurology, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, C.ne Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy.
| | - Shalom Haggiag
- Department of Neurology, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, C.ne Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Ruggieri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64/65, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Tortorella
- Department of Neurology, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, C.ne Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Department of Neurology, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, C.ne Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy
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Gulec B, Everest E, Gorkey OD, Koc M, Tutuncu M, Saip S, Siva A, Uygunoglu U. Comparison of multiple sclerosis patients with or without rebound activity after fingolimod cessation: Five-year clinical outcomes. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:2745-2751. [PMID: 37300847 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who discontinue fingolimod might present with rebound activity. The reasons for the development of rebound have been identified, but there are limited data on the long-term clinical outcomes of these patients. This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with MS with and without rebound activity after fingolimod discontinuation. METHODS A total of 31 patients who discontinued fingolimod for various reasons with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were included in the study. Of these, 10 were assigned to the rebound group and 21 to the non-rebound group. Clinical and demographic data and 5-year clinical outcomes of both groups were prospectively examined. RESULTS At fingolimod initiation, there were no significant differences in age, disease duration, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. The annualized relapse rate (ARR) was significantly higher in the rebound group than in the non-rebound group before the fingolimod treatment (p = 0.005). In the rebound group, EDSS scores 2 months after rebound treatment and at the 5-year follow-up were not significantly different than before fingolimod initiation (p = 0.14 and p = 0.46, respectively). The last recorded EDSS was significantly higher in the non-rebound group than in the rebound group (3.6 ± 2.3 vs. 2.15 ± 1.4, p = 0.045). At the last follow-up, one patient was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in the rebound group (10%), and 11 patients were in the non-rebound group (52.4%, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION When rebound activity is well-monitored and treated after fingolimod discontinuation, no overall EDSS change is expected in the long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bade Gulec
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Everest
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ogeday Derin Gorkey
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Metehan Koc
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melih Tutuncu
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sabahattin Saip
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aksel Siva
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ugur Uygunoglu
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Cerdá-Fuertes N, Nagy S, Schaedelin S, Sinnecker T, Ruberte E, Papadopoulou A, Würfel J, Kuhle J, Yaldizli Ö, Kappos L, Derfuss T, Décard BF. Evaluation of frequency, severity, and independent risk factors for recurrence of disease activity after fingolimod discontinuation in a large real-world cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864221150312. [PMID: 36762317 PMCID: PMC9905031 DOI: 10.1177/17562864221150312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical and radiological signs of recurring disease activity (RDA) have been described in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) after discontinuation of fingolimod (FGL). Objective To describe frequency, severity and potential risk factors for RDA after FGL discontinuation in a large real-world cohort of pwMS. Methods Post-FGL RDA was defined as evidence of clinical and/or radiological activity within 6 months after FGL discontinuation. Relapses with Expanded Disability Status Scale increase ⩾2 points and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity with at least five cerebral gadolinium-enhancing lesions and/or ⩾6 cerebral new T2 lesions were defined as severe recurring disease activity (sRDA). Using a multivariate logistic model, we explored the influence of age, disease duration, sex, clinical, and MRI activity under FGL on the occurrence of RDA. Results We identified 110 pwMS who discontinued FGL. Thirty-seven (33.6%) developed post-FGL RDA and 13 (11.8%) also fulfilled criteria for sRDA. Younger age at diagnosis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.10, p < 0.01], shorter disease duration (OR = 1.17, p < 0.01), and MRI activity under FGL (OR = 2.92, p = 0.046) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of post-FGL RDA. Conclusion Individual risk assessment and optimal treatment sequencing can help to minimize the risk of post-FGL RDA. Early switch to highly effective disease-modifying therapy might reduce occurrence of post-FGL RDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Cerdá-Fuertes
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sara Nagy
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schaedelin
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tim Sinnecker
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Medical Image Analysis Center (MIAC AG), Basel and qbig, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Esther Ruberte
- Medical Image Analysis Center (MIAC AG), Basel and qbig, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Athina Papadopoulou
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Würfel
- Medical Image Analysis Center (MIAC AG), Basel and qbig, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Özgür Yaldizli
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Derfuss
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Lin W, Chou CH, Yang FC, Tsai CK, Lin YK, Sung YF. Case Report: Severe rebound after withdrawal of fingolimod in a patient with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1115120. [PMID: 37122715 PMCID: PMC10140362 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1115120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Fingolimod, an oral treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), has been associated with a significant rebound in disease activity after therapy cessation. We described a patient with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who was previously diagnosed with RRMS and experienced fatal rebound syndrome after cessation of fingolimod. Case report A 54-year-old woman, previously diagnosed with RRMS, experienced relapse after orthopedic surgery. The diagnosis was later revised to NMOSD based on a positive aquaporin-4 antibody. Three weeks after converting the immunomodulator from fingolimod to azathioprine, severe disease reactivation was observed. Considering the multiple new and enlarging magnetic resonance imaging lesions, the temporal relationship between fingolimod cessation and symptom onset, and the relatively low possibility of disease reactivation within a short time, the diagnosis of fingolimod withdrawal syndrome was proposed. Although immediate steroid pulse therapy and plasma exchange were performed, the patient eventually died owing to a fulminant clinical course. Conclusion Fingolimod withdrawal syndrome is well known in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It can also occur in patients with NMOSD. Recognizing patients with NMOSD who present with MS-like manifestations, and avoiding drugs that may be harmful to patients with NMOSD, are important.
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Malpas CB, Roos I, Sharmin S, Buzzard K, Skibina O, Butzkueven H, Kappos L, Patti F, Alroughani R, Horakova D, Havrdova EK, Izquierdo G, Eichau S, Hodgkinson S, Grammond P, Lechner-Scott J, Kalincik T. Multiple Sclerosis Relapses Following Cessation of Fingolimod. Clin Drug Investig 2022; 42:355-364. [PMID: 35303292 PMCID: PMC8989797 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-022-01129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background There is growing interest in the issue of disease reactivation in multiple sclerosis following fingolimod cessation. Relatively little is known about modifiers of the risk of post-cessation relapse, including the delay to commencement of new therapy and prior disease activity. Objective We aimed to determine the rate of relapse following cessation of fingolimod and to identify predictors of relapse following cessation. Methods Data were extracted from the MSBase registry in March 2019. Inclusion criteria were (a) clinically definite relapsing multiple sclerosis, (b) treatment with fingolimod for ≥ 12 months, (c) follow-up after cessation for ≥ 12 months, and (d) at least one Expanded Disability Status Scale score recorded in the 12 months before cessation. Results A total of 685 patients were identified who met criteria. The mean annualised relapse rate was 1.71 (95% CI 1.59, 1.85) in the year prior to fingolimod, 0.50 (95% CI 0.44, 0.55) on fingolimod and 0.43 (95% CI 0.38, 0.49) after fingolimod. Of these, 218 (32%) patients experienced a relapse in the first 12 months. Predictors of a higher relapse rate in the first year were: younger age at fingolimod cessation, higher relapse rate in the year prior to cessation, delaying commencement of new therapy and switching to low-efficacy therapy. Conclusions Disease reactivation following fingolimod cessation is more common in younger patients, those with greater disease activity prior to cessation and in those who switch to a low-efficacy therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40261-022-01129-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B Malpas
- Department of Medicine, CORe, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne MS Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Izanne Roos
- Department of Medicine, CORe, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne MS Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sifat Sharmin
- Department of Medicine, CORe, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne MS Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Katherine Buzzard
- Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne MS Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Olga Skibina
- Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Helmut Butzkueven
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Box Hill Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Departments of Medicine and Clinical Research, Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Patti
- GF Ingrassia Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Policlinico G Rodolico, Catania, Italy
| | - Raed Alroughani
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Amiri Hospital, Sharq, Kuwait
| | - Dana Horakova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kubala Havrdova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Sara Eichau
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | | | - Jeannette Lechner-Scott
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Tomas Kalincik
- Department of Medicine, CORe, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne MS Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,L4 Centre, Melbourne Brain Centre at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia.
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Neurological Benefits, Clinical Challenges, and Neuropathologic Promise of Medical Marijuana: A Systematic Review of Cannabinoid Effects in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Models of Demyelination. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030539. [PMID: 35327341 PMCID: PMC8945692 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite current therapeutic strategies for immunomodulation and relief of symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS), remyelination falls short due to dynamic neuropathologic deterioration and relapses, leading to accrual of disability and associated patient dissatisfaction. The potential of cannabinoids includes add-on immunosuppressive, analgesic, neuroprotective, and remyelinative effects. This study evaluates the efficacy of medical marijuana in MS and its experimental animal models. A systematic review was conducted by a literature search through PubMed, ProQuest, and EBSCO electronic databases for studies reported since 2007 on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in MS and in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD), and toxin-induced demyelination models. Study selection and data extraction were performed by 3 reviewers, and 28 studies were selected for inclusion. The certainty of evidence was appraised using the Cochrane GRADE approach. In clinical studies, there was low- and moderate-quality evidence that treatment with ~1:1 CBD/THC mixtures as a nabiximols (Sativex®) oromucosal spray reduced numerical rating scale (NRS) scores for spasticity, pain, and sleep disturbance, diminished bladder overactivity, and decreased proinflammatory cytokine and transcription factor expression levels. Preclinical studies demonstrated decreases in disease severity, hindlimb stiffness, motor function, neuroinflammation, and demyelination. Other experimental systems showed the capacity of cannabinoids to promote remyelination in vitro and by electron microscopy. Modest short-term benefits were realized in MS responders to adjunctive therapy with CBD/THC mixtures. Future studies are recommended to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cannabinoid effects on MS lesions and to evaluate whether medical marijuana can accelerate remyelination and retard the accrual of disability over the long term.
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Frahm N, Fneish F, Ellenberger D, Flachenecker P, Paul F, Warnke C, Kleinschnitz C, Parciak T, Krefting D, Hellwig K, Haas J, Rommer PS, Stahmann A, Zettl UK. Therapy Switches in Fingolimod-Treated Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Long-Term Experience from the German MS Registry. Neurol Ther 2022; 11:319-336. [PMID: 35020157 PMCID: PMC8857375 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-021-00320-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTIONS Therapy switches in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving treatment with fingolimod occur frequently in clinical practice but are not well represented in real-world data. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize treatment switches and reveal sociodemographic/clinical changes over time in fingolimod-treated people with MS (PwMS). METHODS Data on 2536 fingolimod-treated PwMS extracted from the German MS Registry during different time periods were analyzed (2010-2019). RESULTS Overall, 28.3% of PwMS were treatment-naïve before fingolimod initiation. Interferon beta (30.7%) was the most common pre-fingolimod treatment. Ocrelizumab (19.8%) was the most frequent subsequent treatment in the 944 patients on fingolimod who switched. Between 2010 and 2019, median disease duration at fingolimod initiation decreased from 8.5 to 7.1 years (p < 0.001), and patients taking fingolimod for ≥ 1 year after treatment initiation decreased from 89.6 to 80.5% (p < 0.001). Females (p < 0.001) and young patients (p = 0.003) showed a shorter time on fingolimod. The most frequent reason for switching was disease activity (relapse/MRI) despite treatment. The annualized relapse rate increased from 0.37 in patients on fingolimod to 0.47 after treatment cessation, decreasing to 0.19 after treatment with a subsequent disease-modifying drug (DMD) was initiated. CONCLUSION Treatment switches from fingolimod to subsequent DMDs currently occur after shorter treatment durations than 10 years ago, possibly due to the growing treatment spectrum. Planning adequate washout periods is essential and should be done on an individualized basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Frahm
- MS Forschungs- Und Projektentwicklungs-gGmbH (MS Research and Project Development gGmbH [MSFP]), Krausenstr. 50, 30171 Hannover, Germany
- Neuroimmunological Section, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Firas Fneish
- MS Forschungs- Und Projektentwicklungs-gGmbH (MS Research and Project Development gGmbH [MSFP]), Krausenstr. 50, 30171 Hannover, Germany
| | - David Ellenberger
- MS Forschungs- Und Projektentwicklungs-gGmbH (MS Research and Project Development gGmbH [MSFP]), Krausenstr. 50, 30171 Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Flachenecker
- Neurological Rehabilitation Center Quellenhof, Kuranlagenallee 2, 75323 Bad Wildbad, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Clemens Warnke
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology and Center of Translational and Behavioral Neurosciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Tina Parciak
- Department of Medical Informatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Krefting
- Department of Medical Informatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, St. Joseph and St. Elisabeth Hospital–Ruhr University, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Judith Haas
- Deutsche Multiple Sklerose Gesellschaft, Bundesverband e.V. (German Multiple Sclerosis Society [DMSG], Federal Association), Krausenstr. 50, 30171 Hannover, Germany
| | - Paulus S. Rommer
- Neuroimmunological Section, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Stahmann
- MS Forschungs- Und Projektentwicklungs-gGmbH (MS Research and Project Development gGmbH [MSFP]), Krausenstr. 50, 30171 Hannover, Germany
| | - Uwe K. Zettl
- Neuroimmunological Section, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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