1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gisela Z, Carla P, Josefina B, Tomas I, Lucia B, Pappolla A, Miguez J, Patrucco L, Cristiano E, Norma D, Verónica T, Carlos V, Leila C, Alonso R, Garcea O, Silva B, Celica Y, Marrodan M, Gaitán MI, Correale J, Marcos B, Luciana L, Anibal C, Emanuel S, Eduardo K, Judith S, Dario T, Javier H, Pedro N, Felisa L, Pablo LA, Susana L, Patricio B, Raul P, Adriana C, Alejandra M, María Eugenia B, Contentti Edgar C, Amelia AP, Carolina M, Mariano C, Luciano R, Matias K, Eduardo K, María Celeste C, Maria Laura M, Santiago T, Mariela C, Fatima PC, Andres B, Geraldine L, Alonso Serena M, Juan Ignacio R, Marcos S. Disease activity after discontinuation of disease-modifying therapies in patients with multiple sclerosis in Argentina: data from the nationwide registry RelevarEM. Neurol Res 2023; 45:112-117. [PMID: 36184106 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2022.2124792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The discontinuation of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) is commonly seen in real-world settings due to several factors. AREA COVER The aim of this study is to describe the frequency of disease activity after discontinuation of DMTs in MS patients included in the Argentinean MS and NMOSD registry. DISCUSION Patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and active secondary progressive MS (SPMS) were included based on the following criteria: they discontinued treatment for more than 6 months, they had been treated with a DMT for ≥2 years, and they had at least 6 months of follow-up in the registry after discontinuation. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Disease activity during follow-up was defined as the presence of a clinical relapse or a new magnetic resonance (MRI) lesion (either new lesions on T2-weighted sequence and/or contrast enhancement). Bivariate analysis was applied to identify clinical and demographic factors related to disease activity. CONCLUSION We included 377 patients (75.5% RRMS, 22.5% SPMS) who had discontinued DMTs. The mean (SD) follow-up after discontinuation was 15.7 (7.9) months. After discontinuation, the presence of relapse was detected in 18.8% and 3.5% in RRMS and SPMS, respectively; and new MRI activity in 22% and 3.5%, respectively. We found that higher risk of relapse and MRI activity was associated with younger age (p < 0.001), shorter disease duration (p < 0.001), and RRMS phenotype (p = 0.006). Males showed higher MRI activity (p 0.011). This study provides real-world data that can guide physicians when considering discontinuation of DMTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zanga Gisela
- Departamento de Neurologia. Hospital Cesar Milstein, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Portinari Carla
- Departamento de Neurologia. Hospital Cesar Milstein, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Barber Josefina
- Departamento de Neurologia. Hospital Cesar Milstein, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ibañez Tomas
- Departamento de Neurologia. Hospital Cesar Milstein, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Brolese Lucia
- Departamento de Neurologia. Hospital Cesar Milstein, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Pappolla
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jimena Miguez
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana Patrucco
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edgardo Cristiano
- Centro de esclerosis múltiple de Buenos Aires, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Tkachuk Verónica
- Sección de Neuroinmunología y Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, CABA
| | - Vrech Carlos
- Departamento de Enfermedades desmielinizantes - Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba
| | - Cohen Leila
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple. Hospital Ramos Mejía, CABA
| | - Ricardo Alonso
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple. Hospital Ramos Mejía, CABA
| | - Orlando Garcea
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple. Hospital Ramos Mejía, CABA
| | - Berenice Silva
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple. Hospital Ramos Mejía, CABA
| | | | | | | | | | - Burgos Marcos
- Servicio de Neurología - Hospital San Bernardo, Salta
| | | | - Chertcoff Anibal
- Sección de Enfermedades Desmielinizantes - Hospital Británico, CABA
| | | | | | - Steinberg Judith
- Sección de Enfermedades Desmielinizantes - Hospital Británico, CABA
| | | | - Hryb Javier
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Carlos G Durand, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nofal Pedro
- Hospital de Clínicas Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Tucuman, Argentina
| | | | - Lopez A Pablo
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liwacki Susana
- Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola, Córdoba.,Servicio de Neurología - Hospital Córdoba, Córdoba
| | - Blaya Patricio
- Hospital Presidente Perón de Avellaneda, Avellaneda, Argentina.,Neurocomp, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Piedrabuena Raul
- Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola, Córdoba.,Instituto Lennox, Córdoba
| | - Carra Adriana
- Sección de Enfermedades Desmielinizantes - Hospital Británico, CABA
| | - Martinez Alejandra
- Sección de Enfermedades Desmielinizantes - Hospital Británico, CABA.,Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Posadas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Balbuena María Eugenia
- Sección de Neuroinmunología y Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, CABA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rojas Juan Ignacio
- Centro de esclerosis múltiple de Buenos Aires, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario de CEMIC, CABA
| | - Sorbara Marcos
- Departamento de Neurologia. Hospital Cesar Milstein, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kaminsky AL, Omorou AY, Soudant M, Pittion-Vouyovitch S, Michaud M, Anxionnat R, Guillemin F, Debouverie M, Mathey G. Discontinuation of disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis in patients aged over 50 with disease Inactivity. J Neurol 2020; 267:3518-3527. [PMID: 32617659 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10029-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatments may become redundant in older patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Our aim was to explore whether stopping treatments might be possible in patients aged over 50 with disease inactivity. METHODS Patients over 50 were included from the population-based MS Lorraine registry if they had a relapsing-remitting course at onset and had experienced no relapse for ≥ 3 years. Patients who stopped treatments were defined as "stoppers", and the others as "stayers". The outcomes were the time to first relapse, to first disability progression, and to the occurrence of EDSS score of 6, assessed by multivariate analysis using a propensity score. RESULTS 132 stoppers and 366 stayers had a median follow-up of 7 years. There was no difference in Log-rank tests for the times to first relapse (p = 0.61) and to first disability progression (p = 0.22). In Cox models, stopping treatments was not associated with an increased risk of relapse (adjusted Hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.92 [0.72-1.16; p = 0.47]) or of an increase in EDSS score (aHR = 0.89 [0.71-1.13; p = 0.34]). However, stopping was associated with a higher risk of occurrence of EDSS score of 6 (aHR = 3.29 [2.22-4.86; p < 0.0001]), with a significant difference for the time to occurrence of EDSS score of 6 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that stopping injectable disease-modifying treatments, in patients over 50 with disease inactivity, is not associated with an increased risk of relapse or EDSS progression, but there might be a higher risk of reaching EDSS 6. These results have to be confirmed by interventional studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Kaminsky
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Nancy, 29 avenue Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 60034-54035, Nancy, CO, France.
| | - Abdou Yacoubou Omorou
- Inserm, CIC-1433 Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital of Nancy, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Marc Soudant
- Inserm, CIC-1433 Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital of Nancy, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sophie Pittion-Vouyovitch
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Nancy, 29 avenue Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 60034-54035, Nancy, CO, France
| | - Maud Michaud
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Nancy, 29 avenue Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 60034-54035, Nancy, CO, France
| | - René Anxionnat
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Francis Guillemin
- Inserm, CIC-1433 Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital of Nancy, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Marc Debouverie
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Nancy, 29 avenue Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 60034-54035, Nancy, CO, France
| | - Guillaume Mathey
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Nancy, 29 avenue Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 60034-54035, Nancy, CO, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dahdaleh M, Alroughani R, Aljumah M, AlTahan A, Alsharoqi I, Bohlega SA, Daif A, Deleu D, Inshasi J, Karabudak R, Sahraian MA, Taha K, Yammout BI, Zakaria M. Intervening to reduce the risk of future disability from multiple sclerosis: are we there yet? Int J Neurosci 2017; 127:944-951. [PMID: 28029270 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2016.1277424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) delay or may prevent the progression of patients with high-risk clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS), and from relapsing-remitting MS to secondary progressive MS. Current evidence on the effects of DMT on disability in MS is supported by the use of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), which is dominated by ambulation, and usually used as a secondary outcome measure. Less is known about the long-term effects of DMTs on other aspects of functional status, particularly cognition, which is a key determinant of ability to work. The time scale for measurements of disability is at most a few years, with scant data from more than 10 years of observation. Longer prospective follow-up of large numbers of patients with CIS is needed to determine whether early intervention with a DMT influences long-term disease progression. Finally, the emergence of the radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) as a clinical entity has shifted the debate about when to intervene to an even earlier time frame. Balancing the significant side-effects associated with DMT in general and the expected outcome of pharmacologic intervention is increasingly problematic for managing patients with uncertain prognosis, as many patients may have low-risk CIS, benign MS or patients with RIS only. Preventing long-term disability in MS should be recognised more clearly as an important outcome in its own right, with disability measured more consistently with more sensitive instruments beyond the use of the EDSS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Dahdaleh
- a Department of Internal Medicine, Neurology Section , Arab Medical Center and Khalidi Hospital , Amman , Jordan
| | - Raed Alroughani
- b Division of Neurology, Amiri Hospital, Kuwait and Division of Neurology , Dasman Diabetes Institute , Kuwait City , Kuwait
| | - Mohammed Aljumah
- c King Abdullah International Medical Research Center , King Saud Ben Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, NGHA , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia.,d KFMC, Ministry of Health , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman AlTahan
- e Neurology Section , King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University and Dallah Hospital , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Issa Alsharoqi
- f Clinical Neurosciences Department , Salmaniya Medical Complex , Manama , Bahrain
| | - Saeed A Bohlega
- g Department of Neurosciences , King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkader Daif
- h Neurology Division, King Khalid University Hospital , King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Dirk Deleu
- i Department of Neurology (Medicine) , Hamad Medical Corporation , Doha , Qatar
| | - Jihad Inshasi
- j Neurology Department, Rashid Hospital and Dubai Medical College , Dubai Health Authority , Dubai , United Arab Emirates
| | - Rana Karabudak
- k Department of Neurology, Neuroimmunology Unit , Hacettepe University Hospitals , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Mohammed A Sahraian
- l MS Research Center , Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Karim Taha
- m Merck Serono Intercontinental Region , Dubai , United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassem I Yammout
- n Multiple Sclerosis Center , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Magd Zakaria
- o Neuropsychiatric Department, Faculty of Medicine , Ain Shams University , Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Birnbaum G. Stopping Disease-Modifying Therapy in Nonrelapsing Multiple Sclerosis: Experience from a Clinical Practice. Int J MS Care 2017; 19:11-14. [PMID: 28243181 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2015-032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are of benefit only in people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS). Thus, safely stopping DMTs in people with secondary progressive MS may be possible. METHODS Two groups of patients with MS were studied. Group A consisted of 77 patients with secondary progressive MS and no evidence of acute central nervous system inflammation for 2 to 20 years. These patients were advised to stop DMTs. Group B consisted of 17 individuals with RMS who stopped DMTs on their own. Both groups were evaluated at treatment cessation and for a minimum of 1 year thereafter. Multiple variables were assessed to determine those that predicted recurrent acute disease. RESULTS Nine patients in group A (11.7%) and ten patients in group B (58.8%) had recurrent acute disease, almost always within 1 to 2 years of stopping treatment. The only variable of significance in group A distinguishing stable and relapsing patients was age (P = .0003), with relapsing patients being younger. Group B patients were younger and had significantly lower Expanded Disability Status Scale scores than group A, with no significant differences in age between relapsed and stable patients. CONCLUSIONS The DMTs can be stopped safely in older patients with MS (≥7 decades) with no evidence of acute disease for 2 years or longer, with an almost 90% probability of remaining free of acute recurrence. The high proportion of untreated patients with RMS experiencing recurrent acute disease is consistent with published data.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bonenfant J, Bajeux E, Deburghgraeve V, Le Page E, Edan G, Kerbrat A. Can we stop immunomodulatory treatments in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis? Eur J Neurol 2016; 24:237-244. [PMID: 27753181 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Bonenfant
- Department of Neurology; University Hospital; Rennes France
| | - E. Bajeux
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health; University Hospital; Rennes France
| | - V. Deburghgraeve
- Department of Neurology; University Hospital; Rennes France
- CIC-P 1414 Inserm; University Hospital; Rennes France
- West Neuroscience Network of Excellence (WENNE); Rennes France
| | - E. Le Page
- Department of Neurology; University Hospital; Rennes France
- CIC-P 1414 Inserm; University Hospital; Rennes France
- West Neuroscience Network of Excellence (WENNE); Rennes France
| | - G. Edan
- Department of Neurology; University Hospital; Rennes France
- CIC-P 1414 Inserm; University Hospital; Rennes France
- West Neuroscience Network of Excellence (WENNE); Rennes France
| | - A. Kerbrat
- Department of Neurology; University Hospital; Rennes France
- West Neuroscience Network of Excellence (WENNE); Rennes France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kister I, Spelman T, Alroughani R, Lechner-Scott J, Duquette P, Grand'Maison F, Slee M, Lugaresi A, Barnett M, Grammond P, Iuliano G, Hupperts R, Pucci E, Trojano M, Butzkueven H. Discontinuing disease-modifying therapy in MS after a prolonged relapse-free period: a propensity score-matched study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016; 87:1133-7. [PMID: 27298148 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2016-313760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discontinuation of injectable disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for multiple sclerosis (MS) after a long period of relapse freedom is frequently considered, but data on post-cessation disease course are lacking. OBJECTIVES (1) To compare time to first relapse and disability progression among 'DMT stoppers' and propensity-score matched 'DMT stayers' in the MSBase Registry; (2) To identify predictors of time to first relapse and disability progression in DMT stoppers. METHODS Inclusion criteria for DMT stoppers were: age ≥18 years; no relapses for ≥5 years at DMT discontinuation; follow-up for ≥3 years after stopping DMT; not restarting DMT for ≥3 months after discontinuation. DMT stayers were required to have no relapses for ≥5 years at baseline, and were propensity-score matched to stoppers for age, sex, disability (Expanded Disability Status Score), disease duration and time on treatment. Relapse and disability progression events in matched stoppers and stayers were compared using a marginal Cox model. Predictors of first relapse and disability progression among DMT stoppers were investigated using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Time to first relapse among 485 DMT stoppers and 854 stayers was similar (adjusted HR, aHR=1.07, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.37; p=0.584), while time to confirmed disability progression was significantly shorter among DMT stoppers than stayers (aHR=1.47, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.84, p=0.001). The difference in hazards of progression was due mainly to patients who had not experienced disability progression in the prebaseline treatment period. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MS who discontinued injectable DMT after a long period of relapse freedom had a similar relapse rate as propensity score-matched patients who continued on DMT, but higher hazard for disability progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Kister
- Department of Neurology, NYU Multiple Sclerosis Care Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tim Spelman
- Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Medicine (RMH), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Mark Slee
- Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alessandra Lugaresi
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Mater Studiorum - Université di Bologna, Italy and IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche - "UOSI Riabilitazione Sclerosi Multipla" - Bologna, Italy
| | - Michael Barnett
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pierre Grammond
- Centre de réadaptation déficience physique Chaudière-Appalache, Levis, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Eugenio Pucci
- UOC Neurologia, ASUR Marche, Area Vasta 3, Macerata, Italy
| | - Maria Trojano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Helmut Butzkueven
- Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Medicine (RMH), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stopping immunomodulatory medications in MS: Frequency, reasons and consequences. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2015; 4:437-443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
9
|
La Mantia L, Vacchi L, Di Pietrantonj C, Ebers G, Rovaris M, Fredrikson S, Filippini G. Interferon beta for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; 1:CD005181. [PMID: 22258960 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005181.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapy with either recombinant beta-1a or beta-1b interferons (IFNs) is worldwide approved for Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). A major unanswered question is whether this treatment is able to safely reverse or retard the progressive phase of the disease. OBJECTIVES The main objective was to verify whether IFNs treatment in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) is more effective than placebo in reducing the number of patients who experience disability progression. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis Group's Trials Register (1995 to 15 February 2011), the reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings. Regulatory agencies were used as additional sources of information. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised, double or single blind, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of IFNs versus placebo in SPMS patients. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed all reports retrieved from the search. They independently extracted clinical, safety and MRI data, using a predefined data extraction form, resolving disagreements after discussion with a third reviewer. Risk of bias was evaluated to assess the quality of the studies. Treatment effect was measured using Risk Ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the binary outcomes and Standard Mean Difference with 95% CI for the continuous outcomes. MAIN RESULTS Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria, from which 3122 (1829 IFN and 1293 placebo) treated patients contributed to the analysis. Included population was heterogeneous in terms of baseline clinical characteristics of the disease, in particular the percentage of patients affected by secondary progression with superimposed relapse ranging from 72% to 44%. IFN beta 1a and 1b did not decrease the risk of progression sustained at 6 months (RR, 95% CI: 0.98, [0.82-1.16]) after three years of treatment. A significant decrease of the risk of progression sustained at 3 months (RR, 95% CI: 0.88 [0.80, 0.97]) and of the risk of developing new relapses at three years (RR 0.91, [0.84-0.97]) were found. The risk of developing new active brain lesions decreased over time but this data was obtained from single studies on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), performed in subgroups of patients; in spite of no effect on progression, the radiological data supported an effect on MRI parameters. The safety profile reflects what is commonly reported in MS IFN-treated patients. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Well designed RCTs, evaluating a high number of patients were included in the review. Recombinant IFN beta does not prevent the development of permanent physical disability in SPMS. We were unable to verify the effect on cognitive function for the lack of comparable data. This treatment significantly reduces the risk of relapse and of short -term relapse-related disability.Overall, these results show that IFNs' anti-inflammatory effect is unable to retard progression, when established. In the future, no new RCTs for IFNs versus placebo in SPMS will probably be undertaken, because research is now focusing on innovative drugs. We believe that this review gives conclusive evidence on the clinical efficacy of IFNs versus placebo in SPMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loredana La Mantia
- Unit of Neurology - Multiple Sclerosis Center, I.R.C.C.S. Santa Maria Nascente FondazioneDon Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, Milano, 20148, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Siger M, Durko A, Nicpan A, Konarska M, Grudziecka M, Selmaj K. Discontinuation of interferon beta therapy in multiple sclerosis patients with high pre-treatment disease activity leads to prompt return to previous disease activity. J Neurol Sci 2011; 303:50-2. [PMID: 21333308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2011.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A recommendation for the duration of interferon beta (IFNβ) treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with a good response to this therapy has not been defined. Very limited data exist with regard to the effect of IFNβ discontinuation on the subsequent course of MS. OBJECTIVE To assess clinical activity in MS relapsing-remitting (MS RR) patients with high pre-treatment activity who discontinued IFNβ treatment after approximately 2 years of treatment. METHODS We determined the relapse rate and disability progression in 43 patients who discontinued IFNβ after ~25 months of treatment. RESULTS Within ~34 months post-treatment 28 patients (65%) experienced at least one severe relapse, and 8 MS patients experienced a relapse within 30 days post IFNβ discontinuation. Disability progression measured by EDSS in the post-treatment period was 1.45±0.8 points per patient. CONCLUSION These results indicate that IFNβ did not induce a prolonged remission in MS patients and that disease activity returned to the previous rate within a short time after treatment cessation. Discontinuation of IFNβ treatment in high activity pre-treatment MS patients with good response to this therapy is not recommended.
Collapse
|
11
|
Hartung HP. High-dose, high-frequency recombinant interferon beta-1a in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2009; 10:291-309. [PMID: 19236200 DOI: 10.1517/14656560802677882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is at present no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), and existing therapies are designed primarily to prevent lesion formation, decrease the rate and severity of relapses and delay the resulting disability by reducing levels of inflammation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review was to assess the treatment of relapsing MS with particular focus on subcutaneous (s.c.) interferon (IFN) beta-1a. METHOD The literature on IFN beta-1a therapy of MS was reviewed based on a PubMed search (English-language publications from 1990) including its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy in relapsing MS as shown in placebo-controlled studies and in comparative trials, efficacy in secondary progressive MS, safety and tolerability, and the impact of neutralizing antibodies. CONCLUSION The literature suggests that high-dose, high-frequency s.c. IFN beta-1a offers an effective option for treating patients with relapsing MS, with proven long-term safety and tolerability, and has a favourable benefit-to-risk ratio compared with other forms of IFN beta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Hartung
- Heinrich-Heine-University, Department of Neurology, Moorenstreet 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Freedman MS. Disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis: current and future aspects. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2006; 7 Suppl 1:S1-9. [PMID: 17020427 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.7.1.s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the human CNS, affecting an estimated 2.5 million people in the world. Until the 1990s, treatment was mainly symptomatic, but a new era began with the introduction of disease-modifying therapy that seems to alter the natural course of MS. Current drugs include three interferons (IFNs): IFN-beta1a (Avonex intramuscular; Biogen, Cambridge, USA; Rebif subcutaneous; Serono, Geneva, Switzerland), IFN-beta1b (Betaseron subcutaneous; Schering, Berlin, Germany) and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone subcutaneous; Teva, Petach Tikva, Israel). Ongoing research targeting a variety of mechanisms and processes means there is much promise for the future treatment of MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Freedman
- University of Ottawa and Ottawa Health Research Institute, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rovaris M, Confavreux C, Furlan R, Kappos L, Comi G, Filippi M. Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: current knowledge and future challenges. Lancet Neurol 2006; 5:343-54. [PMID: 16545751 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(06)70410-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The secondary progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (MS), which is characterised by a steady accrual of fixed disability after an initial relapsing remitting course, is not clearly understood. Although there is no consensus on the mechanisms underlying such a transition to the progressive phase, epidemiological and neuroimaging studies indicate that it is probably driven by the high prevalence of neurodegenerative compared with inflammatory pathological changes. This notion is lent support by the limited efficacy of available immunomodulating and immunosuppressive treatment strategies, which seems to be further decreased in the late stages of secondary progressive MS. No established clinical or paraclinical predictors of the transition from relapsing remitting to secondary progressive MS have been described. However, the use of quantitative MRI-derived measures is warranted to monitor natural history studies and therapeutic trials of secondary progressive MS with increased reliability. In view of the small effects of immunomodulating and immunosuppressive treatments in preventing the transition to secondary progression, the development of treatments promoting neuroaxonal repair remains an important goal in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Rovaris
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|