1
|
Rezaeizadeh H, Gharegozli K, Nabavi SM, Shayegannejad V, Ghaffarpoor M, Daneshfard B, Cordato D, Naseri M. Effect of MS14® on physical activity of multiple sclerosis patients: A randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 69:104467. [PMID: 36529067 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104467] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder with an increasing global prevalence and severe complications. MS14® is a Persian-medicine-derived natural product with herbal and marine origin which has shown beneficial effects in the management of MS complications. In this study, its effect on physical activity of MS patients was investigated. METHODS A triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Participants used either MS14 capsule or placebo 3 times a day for 3 weeks. At baseline and end of the study, physical activity indices were assessed using international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Secondary outcome measures were Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), timed 10 m walk, Ashworth scale, and Timed Get up and Go. RESULTS A total number of 80 MS patients completed the study. At the end of study, improvement of general physical activity (p-value=0.047) and Timed 10 m walk index (p-value=0.003) in the MS14 group was significant when compared to placebo. No serious adverse effects were observed in this study. CONCLUSION Considering the improvement of some physical activity indices, MS14® is seems to be a safe natural product which could be considered as a supplementary treatment in MS patients. Future larger trials are suggested to further evaluate its efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Rezaeizadeh
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kourosh Gharegozli
- Department of Neurology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Shayegannejad
- Department of Neurology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Majid Ghaffarpoor
- Department of Neurology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Daneshfard
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Persian Medicine Network (PMN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Dennis Cordato
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, 1 Campbell St, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Department of Neurophysiology, Liverpool Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohsen Naseri
- Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Díaz C, Zarco LA, Rivera DM. Highly active multiple sclerosis: An update. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 30:215-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
3
|
Aymé S, Bockenhauer D, Day S, Devuyst O, Guay-Woodford LM, Ingelfinger JR, Klein JB, Knoers NVAM, Perrone RD, Roberts J, Schaefer F, Torres VE, Cheung M, Wheeler DC, Winkelmayer WC. Common Elements in Rare Kidney Diseases: Conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference. Kidney Int 2017; 92:796-808. [PMID: 28938953 PMCID: PMC6685068 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rare kidney diseases encompass at least 150 different conditions, most of which are inherited. Although individual rare kidney diseases raise specific issues, as a group these rare diseases can have overlapping challenges in diagnosis and treatment. These challenges include small numbers of affected patients, unidentified causes of disease, lack of biomarkers for monitoring disease progression, and need for complex care. To address common clinical and patient issues among rare kidney diseases, the KDIGO Controversies Conference entitled, Common Elements in Rare Kidney Diseases, brought together a panel of multidisciplinary clinical providers and patient advocates to address five central issues for rare kidney diseases. These issues encompassed diagnostic challenges, management of kidney functional decline and progression of chronic kidney disease, challenges in clinical study design, translation of advances in research to clinical care, and provision of practical and integrated patient support. Thus, by a process of consensus, guidance for addressing these challenges was developed and is presented here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ségolène Aymé
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unite Mixte de Recherche 7225, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U 1127, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-P6 Unite Mixte de Recherche S 1127, Paris, France
| | - Detlef Bockenhauer
- University College of London Centre for Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Simon Day
- Clinical Trials Consulting and Training Limited, Buckingham, UK
| | - Olivier Devuyst
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Lisa M Guay-Woodford
- Center for Translational Science, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Julie R Ingelfinger
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jon B Klein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, The University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Nine V A M Knoers
- Department of Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald D Perrone
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Roberts
- Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Franz Schaefer
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Centre for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Heidelberg University Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vicente E Torres
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael Cheung
- Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Wolfgang C Winkelmayer
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Freedman MS, Rush CA. Severe, Highly Active, or Aggressive Multiple Sclerosis. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2016; 22:761-84. [DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000000331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
5
|
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a CNS disorder characterized by inflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration, and is the most common cause of acquired nontraumatic neurological disability in young adults. The course of the disease varies between individuals: some patients accumulate minimal disability over their lives, whereas others experience a rapidly disabling disease course. This latter subset of patients, whose MS is marked by the rampant progression of disability over a short time period, is often referred to as having 'aggressive' MS. Treatment of patients with aggressive MS is challenging, and optimal strategies have yet to be defined. It is important to identify patients who are at risk of aggressive MS as early as possible and implement an effective treatment strategy. Early intervention might protect patients from irreversible damage and disability, and prevent the development of a secondary progressive course, which thus far lacks effective therapy.
Collapse
|
6
|
Freedman MS, Abdoli M. Evaluating response to disease-modifying therapy in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2015; 15:407-23. [DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2015.1023711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
7
|
Lim ET, Giovannoni G. Immunopathogenesis and immunotherapeutic approaches in multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 5:379-90. [PMID: 15938671 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.5.3.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is an organ-specific autoimmune disease, characterized pathologically by cell-mediated inflammation, demyelination and variable degrees of axonal loss. Although inflammation is considered central to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, to date, the only licensed and hence widely used multiple sclerosis immunotherapies are interferon-beta, glatiramer acetate and mitoxantrone. This review discusses the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, focusing on a number of emerging immunotherapies. A number of new approaches likely to manipulate the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and which may ultimately allow for the development of more effective immunotherapy are also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ee Tuan Lim
- University College London, Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Prevention of disability through disease-modifying therapies has been a source of significant attention among clinicians treating children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this article, we will review currently available literature on therapies and the management of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis, with specific discussion of therapies for acute exacerbations and disease-modifying therapies that may prevent relapses and slow disease progression, and will include a brief discussion of future directions in symptomatic interventions for cognitive decline, fatigue, and depression in children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis. Our article will focus specifically on children and adolescents with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, as 99% of cases of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis are relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Ann Yeh
- Demyelinating Disorders Program, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Owing to its ability to depict the pathologic features of multiple sclerosis (MS) in exquisite detail, conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has become an established tool in the diagnosis of this disease and in monitoring its evolution. MR imaging has been formally included in the diagnostic work-up of patients who present with a clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of MS, and ad hoc diagnostic criteria have been proposed and are updated on a regular basis. In patients with established MS and in those participating in treatment trials, examinations performed with conventional MR pulse sequences provide objective measures to monitor disease activity and progression; however, they have a limited prognostic role. This has driven the application of newer MR imaging technologies, including higher-field-strength MR units, to estimate overall MS burden and mechanisms of recovery in patients at different stages of the disease. These techniques have allowed in vivo assessment of the heterogeneity of MS pathologic features in focal lesions and in normal-appearing tissues. More recently, some of the finer details of MS, including macrophage infiltration and abnormal iron deposition, have become quantifiable with MR imaging. The utility of these modern MR techniques in clinical trial monitoring and in the assessment of the individual patient's response to treatment still need to be evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute and University Hospital San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wipfler P, Harrer A, Pilz G, Oppermann K, Trinka E, Kraus J. Recent developments in approved and oral multiple sclerosis treatment and an update on future treatment options. Drug Discov Today 2011; 16:8-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2010.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Revised: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
11
|
Barten LJ, Allington DR, Procacci KA, Rivey MP. New approaches in the management of multiple sclerosis. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2010; 4:343-66. [PMID: 21151622 PMCID: PMC2998807 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s9331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by an extensive and complex immune response. Scientific advances have occurred in immunology, pathophysiology, and diagnostic and clinical assessment tools, and recent discovery of unique therapeutic targets has spurred numerous Phase II and Phase III clinical trials. Reductions in MS relapse rates and improvements in T2 or gadolinium-enhancing lesion burdens have been reported from Phase III trials that include fingolimod, alemtuzumab, cladribine, and rituximab. Promising Phase II trial data exist for teriflunomide, daclizumab, laquinimod, and fumarate. The optimism created by these favorable findings must be tempered with evaluation of the adverse effect profile produced by these new agents. Given the discovery of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with the use of natalizumab, ongoing vigilance for rare and life-threatening reactions due to new agents should be paramount. Patients with MS often experience difficulty with ambulation, spasticity, and cognition. Recent clinical trial data from two Phase III dalfampridine-SR trials indicate certain patients receive benefits in ambulation. This article provides an overview of data from clinical trials of newer agents of potential benefit in MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurie J Barten
- The University of Montana and Community Medical Center, Missoula, MT, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
Novel therapeutic strategies for multiple sclerosis--a multifaceted adversary. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2008; 7:909-25. [PMID: 18974749 DOI: 10.1038/nrd2358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies for multiple sclerosis have radically changed in the past 15 years. Five regulatory-approved immunomodulatory agents are reasonably effective in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, and appear to delay the time to progression to disabling stages. Inhibiting disease progression remains the central challenge for the development of improved therapies. As understanding of the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis has advanced, a number of novel potential therapeutics have been identified, and are discussed here. It has also become apparent that traditional views of multiple sclerosis simply as a CD4+ T-cell-mediated disease of the central nervous system are incomplete. The pathogenic role of other immune components such as the innate immune system, regulatory T cells, T helper 17 cells and B cells is reaching centre stage, opening up exciting avenues and novel potential targets to affect the natural course of multiple sclerosis.
Collapse
|
14
|
Fernández O. Combination therapy in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2007; 259:95-103. [PMID: 17507031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2006.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2006] [Revised: 08/27/2006] [Accepted: 08/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory/demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease. Treatment of MS is currently based on various different therapeutic algorithms of a sequential or escalating therapy with immunomodulators or immunosuppressants, generated partly from evidence based medicine and partly from expert's consensus. However, these therapies are not always effective as monotherapies. An alternative would be the combination of agents which already have some proven efficacy in MS therapy, are directed against different mechanisms of the pathogenic chain, and ideally result in synergic effects and a profile of reduced toxicity. Combination therapy in multiple sclerosis can be: Combination of two or more anti-inflammatory agents or combination of anti-inflammatory agents plus neuroprotective agents. Many combinations of drugs have been or are being tested in multiple sclerosis. Clinical trials have included a low number of patients for short periods of time. Preliminary studies on safety suggest that some combination therapies might be safe and efficacious. Ongoing and new phase III clinical trials involving a greater number of patients for longer periods of time are needed to verify this hypothesis. A wise balance between efficacy and safety and extremely clear information to patients should drive clinical decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Fernández
- Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Hospital Regional Universitario Carlos Haya, Málaga, Spain. fernandez.sspa.@juntadeandalucia.es
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
La Mantia L, Milanese C, Mascoli N, D'Amico R, Weinstock-Guttman B. Cyclophosphamide for multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007; 2007:CD002819. [PMID: 17253481 PMCID: PMC8078225 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002819.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis is a presumed cell-mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Cyclophosphamide (CFX) is a cytotoxic and immunosuppressive agent, used in systemic autoimmune diseases. Controversial results have been reported on its efficacy in MS. We conducted a systematic review of all relevant trials, evaluating the efficacy of CFX in patients with progressive MS. OBJECTIVES The main objective was to determine whether CFX slows the progression of MS. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane MS Group Trials Register (searched June 2006), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 3 2006), MEDLINE (January 1966 to June 2006), EMBASE (January 1988 to June 2006) and reference lists of articles. We also contacted researchers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the clinical effect of CFX treatment in patients affected by clinically definite progressive MS.CFX had to be administered alone or in combination with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or steroids. The comparison group had to be placebo or no treatment or the same co-intervention (ACTH or steroids) DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently decided the eligibility of the study, assessed the trial quality and extracted data. We also contacted study authors for original data. MAIN RESULTS Of the 461 identified references, we initially selected 70: only four RCTs were included for the final analysis. Intensive immunosuppression with CFX (alone or associated with ACTH or prednisone) in patients with progressive MS compared to placebo or no treatment (152 participants) did not prevent the long-term (12, 18, 24 months) clinical disability progression as defined as evolution to a next step of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. However, the mean change in disability (final disability subtracted from the baseline) significantly favoured the treated group at 12 (effect size - 0.21, 95% confidence interval - 0.25 to -0.17) and 18 months (- 0.19, 95% confidence interval - 0.24 to - 0.14) but favoured the control group at 24 months (0.14, CI 0.07 to 0.21). We were unable to verify the efficacy of other schedules. Five patients died; sepsis and amenorrhea frequently occurred in treated patients (descriptive analysis). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We were unable to achieve all of the objectives specified for the review. This review shows that the overall effect of CFX (administered as intensive schedule) in the treatment of progressive MS does not support its use in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L La Mantia
- Istituto Nazionale Neurologico C. Besta, MS Group, Via Celoria, 11, Milano, ITALY, 20133.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Filippi M, Rocca MA, Arnold DL, Bakshi R, Barkhof F, De Stefano N, Fazekas F, Frohman E, Wolinsky JS. EFNS guidelines on the use of neuroimaging in the management of multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2006; 13:313-25. [PMID: 16643308 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2006.01543.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance (MR)-based techniques are widely used for the assessment of patients with suspected and definite multiple sclerosis (MS). However, despite the publication of several position papers, which attempted to define the utility of MR techniques in the management of MS, their application in everyday clinical practice is still suboptimal. This is probably related, not only, to the fact that the majority of published guidelines focused on the optimization of MR technology in clinical trials, but also to the continuing development of modern, quantitative MR-based techniques, that have not as yet entered the clinical arena. The present report summarizes the conclusions of the 'EFNS Expert Panel of Neuroimaging of MS' on the application of conventional and non-conventional MR techniques to the clinical management of patients with MS. These guidelines are intended to assist in the use of conventional MRI for the diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of patients with MS. In addition, they should provide a foundation for the development of more widespread but rational clinical applications of non-conventional MR-based techniques in studies of MS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological cause of disability in young people. The disease-modifying treatments, IFN-beta and glatiramer acetate, have been widely available over the last decade and have shown a beneficial effect on relapse rate and magnetic resonance imaging parameters of disease activity; however, their effect on disease progression and disability is modest. Therefore, the search for alternative treatment strategies continues. As understanding of the heterogeneous pathophysiology of MS has increased, emphasis has shifted to more selective therapy that targets components of the inflammatory cascade and the promotion of remyelination and neuroprotection. These agents target the blood-brain barrier, systemic immune dysfunction, local inflammation and neurodegeneration. Combination therapies are being investigated for patients who fail first-line treatments. Many new drugs are being developed and tested that address these issues with the aim of finding a more effective and convenient therapy. These include humanized monoclonal antibodies such as daclizumab (IL-2 antagonist), oral immunomodulators such as sirolimus and statins and neuroprotective agents such as NMDA antagonists and Na+-channel blockers. Many of the treatments discussed in this review are still at early stages of development, but provide exciting potential treatment options; others have proved disappointing in larger extended-phase studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Farrell
- Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Reggio E, Nicoletti A, Fiorilla T, Politi G, Reggio A, Patti F. The combination of cyclophosphamide plus interferon beta as rescue therapy could be used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients-- twenty-four months follow-up. J Neurol 2005; 252:1255-61. [PMID: 15940386 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-005-0857-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2004] [Revised: 02/07/2005] [Accepted: 02/14/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of cyclophosphamide (CTX) and interferon beta (IFN beta) in a group of relapsing remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who experienced treatment failure during IFN beta therapy. It is the general experience that immunomodulatory agents (IMA) are only partially effective in RR patients. Recent data on the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapies for these patients are encouraging. The anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of CTX have been utilized to treat selected cases of multiple sclerosis with a progressive and worsening course as rescue therapy. Thirty RR MS patients with clinically defined MS who experienced treatment failure during IFN beta therapy (2 or more relapses per year or 1.5 EDSS point worsening in one year) were enrolled in the study and treated with CTX iv pulse therapy added to IFN beta and followed up for 24 months. As primary endpoints we evaluated the yearly relapse rate. We also evaluated the percentage of patients free of relapses and of EDSS variations. We analysed the results at one year before entry (T0: IFN beta alone), 12 (T1) and 24 (T2) months after entry. Brain MRI was performed at T0, at T1 and T2. The 30 RR patients who had experienced a high number of relapses (rr =1.4) at T0 showed a significant improvement in yearly relapse rate (rr = 0.4) at T1 and a further improvement (rr = 0.17) at T2 (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients free of relapse was 70% at T2 (p < 0.0001). EDSS score changed from 2.6+/-1.23 at T0 to 2.2 +/- 1.5 at T2, showing only a trend of improvement. No significant variation of MRI lesion load and no severe adverse events were recorded during the study. These data showed that the combination of CTX plus IFN beta halted the progression of disease in active and deteriorating MS patients suggesting the necessity of RCTs to test the efficacy of this combination therapy in active RRMS patients or in patients who experienced treatment failure in response to disease modifying drugs (DMDs).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ester Reggio
- Centre of Multiple Sclerosis and Degenerative Disease of the Nervous System, University of Catania, Via Conti 6, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The availability of partially effective immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive treatments for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) opens important ethical, methodological and practical issues in the design and conduct of new clinical trials in these patients. RECENT FINDINGS The recommendation of the National Health Authorities to prioritize phase III clinical trials using placebo arm raises ethical questions. In addition, patients are reluctant to be involved in such trials. Alternative clinical trial designs will be discussed. Relapses and active lesions are accepted measures of disease activity; new/enlarging T2 lesions and/or enhancing lesions are accepted surrogate markers of disease activity in phase II clinical trials. On the contrary, there are no accepted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surrogate markers of disease progression and also the clinical measures to monitor the degenerative aspects of the disease are not without important limitations. New scales of impairment, disability and quality of life will be reviewed extensively. We will also focus on the value of modern and quantitative MRI techniques, which hold substantial promise as tools to estimate the extent of MS-related irreversible tissue loss. SUMMARY The use of an active comparator in a superior clinical-trial design is becoming an attractive option for testing the efficacy of new drugs in relapsing MS. At present there are no fully reliable and sensitive clinical markers of the accumulation of irreversible tissue damage in MS. Although additional extensive application in longitudinal studies is needed, modern MRI techniques are promising tools to monitor the neurodegenerative aspects of MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Comi
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Milan, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of the present report is to briefly review multiple sclerosis therapeutic trials published or presented in 2004 to provide an up-to-date overview of the established evidence and new insights. RECENT FINDINGS New data have come available that help us understand how currently approved disease modifying drugs can best be used. Nonetheless, their limited effectiveness - especially in progressive forms of multiple sclerosis - as well as the inconvenience and toxicity associated with their use, emphasize the need for new treatment strategies. A substantial number of reports on new emerging treatment modalities were published in 2004, and one of these modalities was newly approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. SUMMARY Further advances have been made in the treatment of multiple sclerosis patients. On the one hand, we know better how and in whom to use existing medications. On the other hand, it is exciting to witness how increased insight in the pathophysiology of the disease and its symptoms has led to a series of new, innovative treatment modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joep Killestein
- Department of Neurology, MS Centre, VU Medical Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|