Clinical and patient determinants of changing therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (SWITCH study)

Treatment patterns and persistence on disease modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis and its associated factors

BACKGROUND

Effective interventions for Multiple Sclerosis require timely treatment optimization which usually involves switching disease modifying therapies. The patterns of prescription and the reasons for changing treatment in people with MS, especially in low prevalence populations, are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the persistence, reasons of DMT switches and prescription patterns in a cohort of Colombian people with MS.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study including patients with confirmed MS with at least one visit at our centre. We estimated the overall incidence rate of medication changes and assessed the persistence on medication with Kaplan-Meier survival estimates for individual medications and according to efficacy and mode of administration. The factors associated with changing medications were assessed using adjusted Cox proportional-hazards models. The reasons for switching medication changes were described, and the prescription patterns were assessed using network analysis, with measures of centrality.

RESULTS

Seven hundred one patients with MS were included. Mean age was 44.3 years, and 67.9% were female. Mean disease duration was 11.3 years and 84.5% had relapsing MS at onset, with median EDSS of 1.0. Treatment was started in 659 (94%) of the patients after a mean of 3 years after MS symptom onset. Among them, 39.5% maintained their initial DMT, 29.9% experienced a single DMT change, while 18.7% went through two, and 11.9% had three or more DMT changes until the final follow-up. The total number of treatment modifications reached 720, resulting in an incidence rate of 1.09 (95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.17) per patient per year The median time to change after the first DMT was 3.75 years, and was not different according to the mode of administration or efficacy classification. The main reasons for changing DMT were MS activity (relapses, 56.7%; MRI activity, 18.6%), followed by non-serious adverse events (15.3%) and disability (11.1%). Younger age at MS onset, care under our centre and insurer status were the main determinants of treatment change. Network analysis showed that interferons and fingolimod were the most influential DMTs.

CONCLUSIONS

A majority of patients switch medications, mostly due to disease activity, and in association with age and insurer status.

Treatment switches of disease-modifying therapies in people with multiple sclerosis: long-term experience from the German MS Registry

Background

The spectrum of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) has expanded over years, but data on treatment strategies is largely lacking. DMT switches are common clinical practice.

Objective

To compare switchers and non-switchers, characterize the first DMT switch and identify reasons and predictors for switching the first DMT.

Methods

Data on 2722 PwMS from the German MS Registry were retrospectively analyzed regarding sociodemographic/clinical differences between 1361 switchers (PwMS discontinuing the first DMT) and non-switchers matched according to age, sex, and observation period. Frequencies of first and second DMTs were calculated and switch reasons identified. Predictors for DMT switches were revealed using univariable and multivariable regression models.

Results

Switchers and non-switchers differed significantly regarding time to first DMT, education, calendar period of the first DMT start (2014-2017 versus 2018-2021), first DMT class used [mild-to-moderate efficacy (MME) versus high-efficacy (HE) DMT], time on first DMT, and disease activity at first DMT start or cessation/last follow-up. The majority of PwMS started with MME DMTs (77.1%), with the most common being glatiramer acetate, dimethyl/diroximel fumarate, and beta-interferon variants. Switchers changed treatment more often to HE DMTs (39.6%), most commonly sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, and natalizumab. Fewer PwMS switched to MME DMTs (35.9%), with the most common being dimethyl/diroximel fumarate, teriflunomide, or beta-interferon. Among 1045 PwMS with sufficient data (76.8% of 1361 switchers), the most frequent reasons for discontinuing the first DMT were disease activity despite DMT (63.1%), adverse events (17.1%), and patient request (8.3%). Predictors for the first DMT switch were MME DMT as initial treatment [odds ratio (OR) = 2.83 (1.76-4.61), p < 0.001; reference: HE DMT], first DMT initiation between 2014 and 2017 [OR = 11.55 (6.93-19.94), p < 0.001; reference: 2018-2021], and shorter time on first DMT [OR = 0.22 (0.18-0.27), p < 0.001].

Conclusion

The initial use of MME DMTs was among the strongest predictors of DMT discontinuation in a large German retrospective MS cohort, arguing for the need for prospective treatment strategy trials, not only but also on the initial broad use of HE DMTs in PwMS.

Recent trends in disease-modifying therapy use and associated sickness absence and disability pension among people with multiple sclerosis in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have led to improved health and work productivity among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

OBJECTIVES

To describe trajectories of recent DMT use and their association with sickness absence and/or disability pension (SADP) among PwMS in Sweden.

METHODS

A longitudinal register-based study was conducted among 1395 PwMS with treatment start in 2014/2015. While DMT use over 5 years was assessed using sequence analysis resulting in four clusters, a 7-year (Y-2 toY4) trend of SADP was analyzed using zero-inflated negative binomial regression.

RESULTS

Four clusters of DMT use trajectories were identified: long-term non-high-efficacy (483, 34.6%), long-term high-efficacy (572, 41%), escalation (221, 15.8%), and discontinuation (119, 8.5%). Progressive MS and higher expanded disability status scale scores were associated with the escalation, long-term high-efficacy, or discontinuation clusters. PwMS in the long-term high-efficacy and escalation clusters had higher likelihood of being on SADP. However, PwMS initiating high-efficacy DMTs demonstrated steeper decline in SADP than others.

CONCLUSION

Using sequence analysis, this study showed recent DMT use trajectories among PwMS where initiation of high-efficacy DMTs has become more common. The trend of SADP was stable and lower in those using non-high-efficacy DMTs and larger improvements were shown in those initiating high-efficacy DMTs.

Evaluation of drivers of treatment switch in relapsing multiple sclerosis: a study from the Italian MS Registry

BACKGROUND

Active relapsing-remitting (RR) and secondary progressive (SP) multiple sclerosis (MS) are currently defined as "relapsing MS" (RMS). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess drivers of treatment switches due to clinical relapses in a population of RMS patients collected in the Italian MS and Related Disorders Register (I-MS&RD).

METHODS

RRMS and SPMS patients with at least one relapse in a time window of 2 years before of data extraction were defined as RMS. Factors associated with disease-modifying therapy (DMT) switching due to clinical activity were assessed through multivariable logistic regression models in which treatment exposure was included as the last recorded DMT and the last DMT's class [moderate-efficacy (ME), high-efficacy (HE) DMTs and anti-CD20 drugs].

RESULTS

A cohort of 4739 RMS patients (4161 RRMS, 578 SPMS) was extracted from the I-MS&RD. A total of 2694 patients switching DMTs due to relapses were identified. Switchers were significantly (p < 0.0001) younger, less disabled, more frequently affected by an RR disease course in comparison to non-switcher patients. The multivariable logistic regression models showed that Alemtuzumab (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.37), Natalizumab (0.48, 0.30-0.76), Ocrelizumab (0.1, 0.02-0.45) and Rituximab (0.23, 0.06-0.82) exposure was a protective factor against treatment switch due to relapses. Moreover, the use of HE DMTs (0.43, 0.31-0.59), especially anti-CD20 drugs (0.14, 0.05-0.37), resulted to be a protective factor against treatment switch due to relapses in comparison with ME DMTs.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 50% of RMS switched therapy due to disease activity. HE DMTs, especially anti-CD20 drugs, significantly reduce the risk of treatment switch.

Exercise-based gaming in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Multiple sclerosis presents a significant burden, with balance disturbances impacting patients' daily living. Conventional therapies have been supplemented with technological advancements like virtual reality (VR) and exergaming, providing engaging, multisensory rehabilitation options.

Objective

This study aimed to synthesize evidence on exergaming's role in multiple sclerosis treatment, particularly to evaluate the impact of exergaming on cognitive, motor, and psychological outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Methods

A systematic review and subsequent meta-analysis design were employed. An extensive search was conducted up to June 2023 across five electronic databases - Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE. The data extraction process from the selected studies was conducted independently. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool 1 (ROB1) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) assessment tool. Continuous outcomes were consolidated as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan ver. 5.4.

Results

Out of 1,029 studies, 27 were included for meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in cognitive outcomes between the exergaming and the no-intervention group or the Conventional Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation interventions (CPRh) subgroups. However, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) showed a statistically significant difference in favor of exergaming in the no-intervention subgroup (MD = 5.40, 95% CI [0.08, 10.72], p = 0.05). In motor outcomes, exergaming only demonstrated better results in the 6-minute walking test compared to the no-intervention group (MD = 25.53, 95% CI [6.87, 44.19], p = 0.007). The Berg Balance Scale score in both studied subgroups and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in the no-intervention group favored exergaming. In terms of psychological outcomes, the Beck Depression Inventory did not reveal any significant differences, while the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) score favored exergaming in the CPRh subgroup.

Conclusion

Exergaming shows promise for enhancing cognitive and motor functions, motivation, adherence, and quality of life in MS patients, which is beneficial for nurses. It can be tailored to individual preferences and easily conducted at home, potentially serving as a viable alternative to traditional rehab programs, especially during relapses. However, further research is necessary to fully understand its optimal and lasting benefits.

Predictors of treatment switching in the Big Multiple Sclerosis Data Network

Background

Treatment switching is a common challenge and opportunity in real-world clinical practice. Increasing diversity in disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) has generated interest in the identification of reliable and robust predictors of treatment switching across different countries, DMTs, and time periods.

Objective

The objective of this retrospective, observational study was to identify independent predictors of treatment switching in a population of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients in the Big Multiple Sclerosis Data Network of national clinical registries, including the Italian MS registry, the OFSEP of France, the Danish MS registry, the Swedish national MS registry, and the international MSBase Registry.

Methods

In this cohort study, we merged information on 269,822 treatment episodes in 110,326 patients from 1997 to 2018 from five clinical registries. Patients were included in the final pooled analysis set if they had initiated at least one DMT during the relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) stage. Patients not diagnosed with RRMS or RRMS patients not initiating DMT therapy during the RRMS phase were excluded from the analysis. The primary study outcome was treatment switching. A multilevel mixed-effects shared frailty time-to-event model was used to identify independent predictors of treatment switching. The contributing MS registry was included in the pooled analysis as a random effect.

Results

Every one-point increase in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score at treatment start was associated with 1.08 times the rate of subsequent switching, adjusting for age, sex, and calendar year (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.08; 95% CI 1.07-1.08). Women were associated with 1.11 times the rate of switching relative to men (95% CI 1.08-1.14), whilst older age was also associated with an increased rate of treatment switching. DMTs started between 2007 and 2012 were associated with 2.48 times the rate of switching relative to DMTs that began between 1996 and 2006 (aHR 2.48; 95% CI 2.48-2.56). DMTs started from 2013 onwards were more likely to switch relative to the earlier treatment epoch (aHR 8.09; 95% CI 7.79-8.41; reference = 1996-2006).

Conclusion

Switching between DMTs is associated with female sex, age, and disability at baseline and has increased in frequency considerably in recent years as more treatment options have become available. Consideration of a patient's individual risk and tolerance profile needs to be taken into account when selecting the most appropriate switch therapy from an expanding array of treatment choices.

Influence of physicians' risk perception on switching treatments between high- efficacy and non-high-efficacy disease‑modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The decision of initiating treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) with a high-efficacy DMT (HE DMT) or non-high-efficacy DMT (non-HE DMT) is influenced by several factors, including risk perception of patients and physicians.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the influence of physicians' risk perception on decision-making when switching treatments for MS and the reasons for switching.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the Adelphi Real-World MS Disease-Specific Program (a retrospective survey) and analysis included people with RMS identified between 2017- 2021.

RESULTS

Of 4129 patients with reasons for switch available, 3538 switched from non-HE DMT and 591 from HE DMT. Overall, 4.7% of patients were switched treatment by their physicians due to the risk of malignancies and infections including PML risk. The proportion of switches that were made due to the risk of PML were 23.9% in the HE DMT and 0.5% in the non-HE DMT groups. The top reasons for switching were relapse frequency (non-HE DMT vs HE-DMT: 26.8% vs 15.2%), lack of efficacy (20.9 vs 11.7) and increased number of MRI lesions (20.3% vs 12.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians' risk perception of malignancies and infection excluding PML was not a leading factor when switching treatment. The risk of PML was a key factor, especially for switching patients from HE DMTs. In both groups, lack of efficacy was the key contributing factor for switching. Initiating the treatment with HE DMTs may potentially reduce the number of switches due to sub-optimal efficacy. These findings might help physicians to engage more in discussions with patients about the benefit/risk profile of DMTs.

Deep learning-based PET/MR radiomics for the classification of annualized relapse rate in multiple sclerosis

Background Annualized Relapse Rate (ARR) is one of the most important indicators of disease progression in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, imaging markers that can effectively predict ARR are currently unavailable. In this study, we developed a deep learning-based method for the automated extraction of radiomics features from Positron Emission Computed Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) images to predict ARR in patients with MS. Methods Twenty-five patients with a definite diagnosis of Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) were enrolled in this study. We designed a multi-branch fully convolutional neural network to segment lesions from PET/MR images. After that, radiomics features were extracted from the obtained lesion volume of interest. Three feature selection methods were used to retain features highly correlated with ARR. We combined four classifiers with different feature selection methods to form twelve models for ARR classification. Finally, the model with the best performance was chosen. Results Our network achieved precise automatic lesion segmentation with a Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) of 0.81 and a precision of 0.86. Radiomics features from lesions filtered by Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) achieved the best performance in the Support Vector Machines (SVM) classifier. The classification model performance was best when radiomics from both PET and MR were combined to predict ARR, with high accuracy at 0.88 and Area Under the ROC curves (AUC) at 0.96, which outperformed MR or PET-based model and clinical indicators-based model. Conclusion Our automatic segmentation masks can replace manual ones with excellent performance. Furthermore, the deep learning and PET/MR radiomics-based model in our research is an effective tool in assisting ARR classification of MS patients.

Effects of horizontal versus vertical switching of disease-modifying treatment after platform drugs on disease activity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in Austria

OBJECTIVES

To compare in a nationwide observational cohort the effectiveness, frequency and reasons for treatment interruption of dimethylfumarate (DMF) and teriflunomide (TERI) (horizontal switchers) versus alemtuzumab (AZM), cladribine (CLAD), fingolimod (FTY), natalizumab (NTZ), ocrelizumab (OCR) and ozanimod (OZA) (vertical switchers) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (pwRRMS) and prior interferon beta (IFN-beta) or glatiramer-acetate (GLAT) treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The "horizontal switch cohort" included 669 and the "vertical switch cohort" 800 RRMS patients. We used propensity scores for inverse probability weighting in generalized linear (GLM) and Cox proportional hazards models to correct for bias in this non-randomized registry study.

RESULTS

Estimated mean annualized relapse rates (ARR) were 0.39 for horizontal and 0.17 for vertical switchers. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) in the GLM model showed an increased relapse probability of 86% for horizontal versus vertical switchers (IRR = 1.86; 95% CI 1.38-2.50; p < 0.001). Analyzing the time to the first relapse after treatment switch by Cox regression, a hazard ratio of 1.58 (95% CI 1.24-2.02; p < 0.001) indicated an increased risk of 58% for horizontal switchers. The hazard ratios for treatment interruption comparing horizontal versus vertical switchers were 1.78 (95% CI 1.46-2.18; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Horizontal switching after a platform therapy resulted in a higher relapse and interrupt probability and was associated with a trend towards less EDSS improvement comparing to vertical switching in Austrian RRMS patients.

Patients with multiple sclerosis choose a collaborative role in making treatment decision: results from the Italian multicenter SWITCH study

BACKGROUND

Clinicians are increasingly recognizing the importance of shared decision-making in complex treatment choices, highlighting the importance of the patient's rationale and motivation for switching therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the association between different modalities of changing multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments, cognitive profile and attitude and preferences of patients concerning treatment choice.

METHODS

This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted at 28 Italian MS centers in the period between June 2016 and June 2017. We screened all MS patients treated with any DMT, with a treatment compliance of at least 80% of therapy administered during the 3 last months who needed to modify MS therapy because of efficacy, safety or other reasons during a follow-up visit. At the time of switching the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) and the Control Preference Scale (CPS) were evaluated. According to the CPS, patients were classified as "active" (i.e. who prefer making the medical decision themselves), "collaborative" (i.e. who prefer decisions be made jointly with the physician), or "passive" (i.e. who prefer the physician make the decision).

RESULTS

Out of 13,657 patients recorded in the log, 409 (3%) changed therapy. Of these, 336 (2.5%) patients, 69.6% were female and with mean age 40.6 ± 10.5 years, were enrolled. According to the CPS score evaluation, a significant high percentage of patients (51.1%) were considered collaborative, 74 patients (22.5%) were passive, and 60 (18.2%) patients were active. Stratifying according to CPS results, we found a higher SDMT score among collaborative patients compared to active and passive ones (45.8 ± 12.3 versus 41.0 ± 13.2 versus 41.7 ± 12.8, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this study, the CPS evaluation showed that more than 50% of patients who needed to change therapy chose a "collaborative" role in making treatment decision. Cognitive profile with SDMT seems to correlate with patients' preference on treatment decision, showing better scores in collaborative patients.

Treatment Courses of Patients Newly Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2012-2018

Treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) are now numerous, but it is unclear which Disease-Modifying Treatment (DMT) is the optimal choice for a given patient. Treatment switches are common, both because of side effects and because of lack of efficacy. There are few data available on the treatment courses of patients newly diagnosed with MS in the current DMT era. All patients newly diagnosed with MS in 2012-2018 at North Karelia Central Hospital were identified (N = 55), and those with complete follow-up data available (N = 43) were included. The minimum follow-up from diagnosis was 44 months with a maximum of 9 years. Seven patients (16%) had no DMT at any time during the follow-up. Treatment was most often initiated with interferon or glatiramer acetate (69%), but 72% of these treatments were discontinued. After cladribine, teriflunomide and fingolimod showed the best treatment persistence. Patients who experienced their first MS symptoms at ≥40 years of age all continued with their initial treatment category until the end of the follow-up. In a third of the patients who had received a DMT, at the end of the follow-up, the treatment had been escalated to fingolimod, cladribine or natalizumab. Only 13 patients (28%) continued with their initial DMT until the end of the follow-up.

Trajectories of disease-modifying therapies and associated sickness absence and disability pension among 1923 people with multiple sclerosis in Sweden

BACKGROUND

There is limited information on the trajectories of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use and their association with sickness absence and/or disability pension (SADP) among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The objective of the study was to identify trajectories of DMT use over 10 years among PwMS, identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the trajectories, and to assess the association between identified trajectories and SADP days.

METHODS

A longitudinal register-based study was conducted, on a prospective data set linked across six nationwide registers, assessing treatment courses of PwMS with DMTs for the 10 years following multiple sclerosis (MS) onset. The study included 1923 PwMS with MS onset in 2007-2010, when aged 19-56 years. In each 6-month-period, their treatment was categorized as before treatment, high-efficacy, non-high-efficacy, or no DMT. Sequence analysis was performed to identify sequences of the treatment categories and cluster them into different DMT trajectories. Cluster belonging, in relation to demographic and clinical characteristics, was assessed through log-multinomial regression analysis. The association of trajectories/cluster-belonging with SADP net days was assessed using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models.

RESULTS

Cluster analyses identified 4 trajectories of DMT use: long-term non-high-efficacy DMTs (38.6%), escalation to high-efficacy DMTs (31.2%), delayed start and escalation to high-efficacy DMTs (15.4%), and discontinued/ no DMT (14.2%). Age, MS type, expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score and the number of DMT switches were associated with cluster belonging. The youngest age group (18-25) were more likely to be in the escalation to high-efficacy cluster. People with primary progressive MS were more likely to be in the delayed start or discontinued/ no DMT cluster. Higher EDSS scores were associated to being in the other three clusters than in the long-term non-high-efficacy DMTs cluster. Higher number of DMT switches were associated with being in the escalation to high-efficacy DMTs cluster but less likely to be in the delayed start or discontinued/ no DMT clusters. Descriptive analyses showed a trend of fewer mean SADP days among PwMS using non-high-efficacy DMT than the other clusters about 9 years after onset. PwMS in the escalation to high-efficacy and discontinued/no DMT clusters had more SADP days. PwMS in the delayed start and escalation to high-efficacy DMTs cluster, started with fewer SADP days which increased over time. SADP days adjusted through GEE models showed trends comparable with the descriptive analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study described the long-term real-world trajectories of DMT use among PwMS in Sweden using sequence analysis and showed the association of the trajectories with SADP days as well as sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Persistence, Adherence, and Switching to Higher-Cost Therapy in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Initiating Oral Disease-Modifying Therapies: A Retrospective Real-World Study

INTRODUCTION

Therapeutic efficacy of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) is often hindered by poor persistence and adherence, impacted by patient-perceived efficacy concerns, adverse effects, inconvenience, and forgetfulness. This study measured persistence, adherence, and time to switching to higher-cost therapy among patients with MS initiating teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, or diroximel fumarate treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective study used Symphony Health US claims data from patients with MS newly initiated on one of four oral DMTs between January and June 2020. Persistence was defined as the duration a patient continued their medication. Adherence was measured using medication possession ratio (MPR); patients with MPR ≥ 80% were considered adherent. Switching was measured by comparing proportions of patients switching and mean time to switch to one of three higher-cost therapies (ocrelizumab, natalizumab, or cladribine). Kaplan-Meier curves assessed persistence. Chi-square tests determined proportions of patients on therapy after 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 6934 patients newly initiated on oral DMTs met study inclusion criteria (teriflunomide, n = 1968; dimethyl fumarate, n = 3409; diroximel fumarate, n = 616; fingolimod, n = 941). Patients newly initiated on teriflunomide and fingolimod had significantly higher persistence rates after 12 months (60% and 66%, respectively vs 44% dimethyl fumarate and 49% diroximel fumarate; p < 0.0001), and the highest proportion of adherent patients at 6 months (71% and 76%, vs 60% dimethyl fumarate and 58% diroximel fumarate) and 12 months (55% and 59%, vs 40% dimethyl fumarate and 44% diroximel fumarate). Mean time to switching to higher-cost therapies ranged from 247 days (diroximel fumarate to natalizumab) to 342 days (teriflunomide to ocrelizumab), with the highest rate of switching in patients on dimethyl fumarate (7%).

CONCLUSION

Patients newly initiated on teriflunomide and fingolimod had better real-world persistence and adherence at 6 and 12 months, and longer time to switch to higher-cost therapies, than patients on dimethyl fumarate or diroximel fumarate.

Efficacy of Virtual Reality and Exergaming in Improving Balance in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common causes of neurological progressive disease and can lead to loss of mobility, walk impairment, and balance disturbance. Among several rehabilitative approaches proposed, exergaming and virtual reality (VR) have been studied in the recent years. Active video game therapy could reduce the boredom of the rehabilitation process, increasing patient motivation, providing direct feedback, and enabling dual-task training. Aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of exergaming and VR for balance recovery in patients with MS. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched from the inception until May 14, 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) presenting: patients with MS as participants, exergaming and VR as intervention, conventional rehabilitation as comparator, and balance assessment [Berg Balance Scale (BBS)] as outcome measure. We also performed a meta-analysis of the mean difference in the BBS via the random-effects method. Out of 93 records, this systematic review included and analyzed 7 RCTs, involving a total of 209 patients affected by MS, of which 97 patients performed exergaming or VR and 112 patients underwent conventional rehabilitation. The meta-analysis reported a significant overall ES of 4.25 (p < 0.0001), showing in the subgroup analysis a non-significant ES of 1.85 (p = 0.39) for the VR and a significant ES of 4.49 (p < 0.0001) for the exergames in terms of the BBS improvement. Taken together, these findings suggested that balance rehabilitation using exergames appears to be more effective than conventional rehabilitation in patients affected by MS.

First line treatment failure: Predictive factors in a cohort of 863 Relapsing Remitting MS patients

BACKGROUND

The advent of new, potent, disease-modifying therapies has dramatically changed the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). Along with these possibilities, it is crucial to better recognize patients who are at risk of first line treatment (FLT) failure and switch to highly effective therapies (HET).

OBJECTIVES

To identify baseline prognostic factors associated with FLT failure in relapsing remitting MS (RR-MS) patients.

METHODS

We included recently diagnosed RR-MS patients starting an FLT identified from 3 French MS centers databases. Baseline characteristics were included in a multivariable Cox analysis to identify the main factors associated with FLT failure.

RESULTS

Eight hundred sixty-three patients were included. We observed an overall rate of treatment failure of 23.5%. The main baseline characteristics associated with treatment failure were age <26 years at treatment start (HR= 2.1, p<0.001), EDSS ≥2 (HR=2.1, p<0.001) and ≥2relapses in the previous year (HR=1.5, p=0.04). The association with the presence of gadolinium enhancement on MRI was not statistically significant. EDSS progression was only significantly associated with age at treatment start and treatment failure.

CONCLUSION

Our series demonstrates that some clinical and imaging factors are associated with treatment failure, and should be considered when planning treatment strategy in patients with recently diagnosed RR-MS.

Usage trend of oral drugs for multiple sclerosis patients in Argentina

INTRODUCTION

Over the past decade, numerous disease modifying drugs (DMDs) for relapsing- remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) have been approved in Argentina. The use of oral DMDs (oDMDs) has increased in recent years, although real-life data in our region is limited. We aimed to describe the tendency in the use of oDMDs (as first treatment option or after switch) in relationship with their approval in Argentina.

METHODS

A retrospective study in a cohort of MS patients from five Argentinian MS centers was conducted. Regarding the availability of different oDMDs in Argentina, we define three periods (P1-3): P1: 2012 - 2014; P2: 2015 - 2017 and P3: 2018 - 2020. An analysis was performed comparing between these three periods to assess the tendency for oDMDs use over time.

RESULT

The most frequently prescribed treatment as first DMD was: interferon beta 1a (40%) in P1, fingolimod (37.3%) in P2 and also fingolimod (35%) in P3. We found an increase in the use of oDMTs as initial treatment over time (P1: 17.7%, P2: 63.9% and P3: 65.0%; Chi-square = 41.9 p <0.01). We also found a tendency to increase the use of oDMTs after a first switch (P1: 45.5%, P2: 60.1% and P3 78.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that disease evolution (OR=1.06, p=0.04), and year of treatment initiation (OR=1.01 p<0.01) were independently associated with choice of oDMTs.

CONCLUSION

This study identified an increasing tendency for the use of oDMDs as initial treatment of RMS in relationship with their approval in Argentina.

Targeting Endocannabinoid Metabolism: an Arrow with Multiple Tips Against Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. At present, there is no definitive cure, and the few available disease-modifying options display either poor efficacy or life-threatening side effects. There is clear evidence that relapsing-remitting clinical attacks in MS are driven by inflammatory demyelination and that the subsequent disease steps, being irresponsive to immunotherapy, result from neurodegeneration. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) stands halfway between three key pathomechanisms underlying MS, namely inflammation, neurodegeneration and oxidative stress, thus representing a kingpin for the identification of novel therapeutic targets in MS. This review summarizes the current state of the art in the field of endocannabinoid metabolism modulators and their in vivo effects on relevant animal models. We also highlight key molecular underpinnings of their therapeutic efficacy as well as the potential to turn them into promising clinical candidates.

Reasons for switching to fingolimod in patients relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in France: the ESGILE study

BACKGROUND

Timely treatment switching is an important strategy in optimising management of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Patient preferences, as well as clinical benefit, may contribute to the switch decision. Information on reasons determining switching choices and on outcome according to the reason for switching is scarce. Study objectives were to describe the consequences of switching to fingolimod in terms of clinical improvement according to the reasons underlying the switch and to evaluate treatment acceptability from the patient's perspective.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted by 71 neurologists in France and included patients with RRMS switching to fingolimod following ≥6 months treatment with a first-line disease modifying treatment (DMT). Reasons for switching were documented. Patients were evaluated at inclusion and 12 months after initiating fingolimod. Physicians documented clinical status by relapse activity, disability (EDSS) at each visit and improvement with the Clinical Global Impression - Change (CGI-C) at Month 12. Patients rated improvement at Month 12 with the Patient Global Impression - Change (PGI-C) and treatment acceptability with the ACCEPT® questionnaire. Adverse events reported during fingolimod treatment were documented.

RESULTS

Overall 232 patients were recruited of whom 190 could be analysed. Multiple reasons for switching were frequently given; 113 patients (59.4%) switched from a first-line injectable DMT. Switching was motivated by disease worsening in 161 patients (84.7%), tolerability in 35 (18.4%) and patient preference in 58 (30.5%). During the follow-up period, 38 patients (20.0%) experienced at least one exacerbation. The mean EDSS score was stable (2.0 ± 1.3 at inclusion; 2.0 ± 1.5 at M12). With the CGI-C, 67 patients (38.7%) were considered improved and 23 (13.3%) worsened. Although no obvious differences in CGI-C ratings were observed as a function of the reason for switching, when patient preferences entered into the decision, the proportion of patients considered minimally improved was somewhat higher (37.7%) and the proportion considered unchanged somewhat lower (41.5%). With the PGI-C, more patients rated themselves improved than were rated as improved by the physician: of 64 patients rated as 'no change' on the CGI-C, 21 (32.8%) rated themselves as 'improved' and 10 (15.6%) as 'worsened'. The overall level of agreement between the two measures was moderate (κ = 0.48 [95% CI: 0.35 - 0.60]). The mean general treatment acceptability score on the ACCEPT® questionnaire was 42.7 [95%CI: 34.5 - 50.9] at inclusion (reflecting acceptability of the previous DMT) and 64.6 [95%CI: 57.6 - 71.6] at M12 (reflecting acceptability of fingolimod). Mean dimension scores ranged from 36.7 for effectiveness to 72.2 for medication inconvenience at inclusion and from 63.4 for effectiveness to 96.8 for medication inconvenience at M12. The frequency and nature of reported adverse events was consistent with the well-characterised safety profile of fingolimod.

CONCLUSION

Most patients switching from a first DMT to fingolimod do so due to persistent disease activity during the initial treatment, although patient preferences are also important. Switching is followed by a reduction in disease activity, perceived improvement in the clinical state of the patient and improved acceptability of treatment.