Spanish consensus on the use of natalizumab (Tysabri®)-2013

Cost-Analysis of Subcutaneous vs Intravenous Administration of Natalizumab Based on Patient Care Pathway in Multiple Sclerosis in Spain

INTRODUCTION

A subcutaneous (SC) formulation of natalizumab has been recently authorised for multiple sclerosis patients. This study aimed to assess the implications of the new SC formulation, and to compare the annual treatment costs of SC versus intravenous (IV) natalizumab therapy from both the Spanish healthcare system (direct health cost) and the patient (indirect cost) perspectives.

METHODS

A patient care pathway map and a cost-minimisation analysis were developed to estimate SC and IV natalizumab annual costs over a 2-year time horizon. Considering the patient care pathway and according to natalizumab experience (IV) or estimation (SC), a national expert panel involving neurologists, pharmacists, and nurses provided information/data regarding resource consumption for drug and patient preparation, administration, and documentation. One hour of observation was applied to the first six (SC) or 12 (IV) doses, and 5 min for successive doses. The Day hospital (infusion suite) facilities at a reference hospital were considered for IV administrations and the first six SC injections. For successive SC injections, either a reference hospital or regional hospital in a consulting room was considered. Productivity time associated with travel (56 min to reference hospital, 24 min to regional hospital) and waiting time pre- and post-treatment (SC 15 min, IV 25 min) were assessed for patients and caregivers (accompanying 20% of SC and 35% of IV administrations). National salaries for healthcare professionals were used for cost estimation (€, year 2021).

RESULTS

At years 1 and 2, total time and cost savings (excluding drug acquisition cost) per patient, driven by saving on administration and patient and caregiver productivity for SC at a reference hospital versus IV at a reference hospital, were 116 h (a reduction of 54.6%) and €3682.82 (a reduction of 66.2%). In the case of natalizumab SC at a regional hospital, the total time and cost saving were 129 h (a reduction of 60.6%) and €3883.47 (a reduction of 69.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Besides the potential benefits of convenient administration and improving work-life balance, as suggested by the expert panel, natalizumab SC was associated with cost savings for the healthcare system by avoiding drug preparation, reducing administration time, and freeing up infusion suite capacity. Additional cost savings could be derived with regional hospital administration of natalizumab SC by reducing productivity loss.

Progression of a series of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated for 7 years with natalizumab using the "no evidence of disease activity" parameter

INTRODUCTION

The safety and effectiveness of natalizumab in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) has been demonstrated in clinical trials. However, due to the limitations of these trials, it is important to know how the condition behaves under long-term clinical practice conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term effectiveness of natalizumab in patients with RRMS by means of annual evaluation of the "no evidence of disease activity" (NEDA) parameter, which includes number of relapses, disability (measured with the Expanded Disability Status Scale), and brain MRI parameters.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients with RRMS from 3 centres who were treated with one or more doses of natalizumab. Each year, we evaluated NEDA status and safety based on the percentage of patients who discontinued treatment with natalizumab and experienced adverse reactions.

RESULTS

The study included 89 patients, most of whom received treatment for 2 to 4 years, with a follow-up period of up to 7 years. Natalizumab significantly reduces the radiological and clinical progression of the disease, as well as the annual rate of relapses. The NEDA parameter demonstrates the effectiveness of the drug, with values of 75.28% for year one and 66.67% for year 7. Twenty-five patients (28.1%) dropped out after a median of 4 years. Fourteen of these patients (56%) dropped out due to the appearance of anti-JC virus antibodies, either in isolation or associated with another cause. Four dropouts (16%) were due to treatment ineffectiveness, with one patient dying due to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Natalizumab is highly effective as measured by the NEDA long-term remission parameter.

Progression of a series of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated for 7 years with natalizumab using the "no evidence of disease activity" parameter

INTRODUCTION

The safety and effectiveness of natalizumab in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) has been demonstrated in clinical trials. However, due to the limitations of these trials, it is important to know how the condition behaves under long-term clinical practice conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term effectiveness of natalizumab in patients with RRMS by means of annual evaluation of the "no evidence of disease activity" (NEDA) parameter, which includes number of relapses, disability (measured with the Expanded Disability Status Scale), and brain MRI parameters.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients with RRMS from 3 centres who were treated with one or more doses of natalizumab. Each year, we evaluated NEDA status and safety based on the percentage of patients who discontinued treatment with natalizumab and experienced adverse reactions.

RESULTS

The study included 89 patients, most of whom received treatment for 2 to 4 years, with a follow-up period of up to 7 years. Natalizumab significantly reduces the radiological and clinical progression of the disease, as well as the annual rate of relapses. The NEDA parameter demonstrates the effectiveness of the drug, with values of 75.28% for year one and 66.67% for year 7. Twenty-five patients (28.1%) dropped out after a median of 4 years. Fourteen of these patients (56%) dropped out due to the appearance of anti-JC virus antibodies, either in isolation or associated with another cause. Four dropouts (16%) were due to treatment ineffectiveness, with one patient dying due to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Natalizumab is highly effective as measured by the NEDA long-term remission parameter.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy and Monoclonal Antibodies: A Review

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a viral infection predominantly seen in patients with HIV infection. However, with the increased use of monoclonal antibodies (MAB) for various lymphoproliferative disorders, we are now seeing this infection in non-HIV patients on drugs such as natalizumab, rituximab, and so on. The aim of this article is to review the relationship between the occurrence of PML and MAB used in the treatment of hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Review of articles from PubMed-indexed journals which study PML in relation to the use of MAB. Relevant literature demonstrated an increased risk of reactivation of latent John Cunningham polyomavirus (JCV) resulting in development of PML in patients on long-term therapy with MAB. The highest incidence of 1 PML case per 1000 treated patients and 1 case per 32 000 was observed in patients treated with natalizumab and rituximab, respectively. Serological and polymerase chain reaction tests for the detection of JCV can be helpful in risk stratification of patients for the development of PML before and during therapy with MAB. Treatment with MAB can result in development of PML. Clinicians should include PML in differential diagnosis in patients treated with these agents if they manifest central nervous system symptoms.

Catastrophic outcome of patients with a rebound after Natalizumab treatment discontinuation

INTRODUCTION

Natalizumab (NTZ) is an effective drug for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In some patients discontinuation is mandatory due to the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. However, severe clinical and radiological worsening has been described after drug cessation. Our aim was to describe the clinical and radiological features of the rebound phenomenon.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients switched from NTZ to Fingolimod (FTY) who had presented a rebound after discontinuation were selected. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were collected.

RESULTS

Four JC virus positive patients were included. The mean disease duration was 9.5 years (SD: 4.12) with a mean time of 3.1 years on NTZ. All patients started FTY within 3-4 months. Neurological deterioration started in a mean time of 3.5 months (SD: 2.08) with multifocal involvement: 75% motor disturbances, 50% cognitive impairment, 25% seizures. The average worsening in Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] was of 3.25 points (SD: 2.33). The MRI showed a very large increase in T2 and gadolinium-enhanced lesions (mean: 23.67, SD: 18.58). All patients received 5 days of IV methylprednisolone, one patient required plasma exchange. All the patients presented neurological deterioration with an EDSS worsening of 1.13 points (SD: 0.48). After the rebound three patients continued treatment with FTY, only one patient restarted NTZ.

CONCLUSION

Discontinuation of NTZ treatment may trigger a severe rebound with marked clinical and radiological worsening. A very careful evaluation of benefit-risk should be considered before NTZ withdrawal, and a close monitoring and a short washout period is recommended after drug withdrawal.

Neurologic emergencies in HIV-negative immunosuppressed patients

HIV-negative immunosuppressed patients comprise a heterogeneous group including transplant patients, patients undergoing treatment with immunosuppressors, uremic patients, alcoholics, undernourished patients, diabetics, patients on dialysis, elderly patients, and those diagnosed with severe or neoplastic processes. Epileptic seizures, focal neurologic signs, and meningoencephalitis are neurologic syndromes that require urgent action. In most of these situations, neuroimaging tests are necessary, but the findings can be different from those observed in immunocompetent patients in function of the inflammatory response. Infectious disease is the first diagnostic suspicion, and the identification of an opportunistic pathogen should be oriented in function of the type and degree of immunosuppression. Other neurologic emergencies include ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, neoplastic processes, and pharmacological neurotoxicity. This article reviews the role of neuroimaging in HIV-negative immunodepressed patients with a neurologic complication that requires urgent management.