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- Title
Alemtuzumab for multiple sclerosis: Long term follow-up in a multi-centre cohort.
- Authors
Willis, M. D.; Harding, K. E.; Pickersgill, T. P.; Wardle, M.; Pearson, O. R.; Scolding, N. J.; Smee, J.; Robertson, N. P.
- Abstract
Background: Alemtuzumab has recently been approved for treatment of relapsing MS, but concerns remain about its use since long-term studies of adverse events remain limited. Furthermore, a clear understanding of its application and durability of effect in clinical practice has yet to evolve. Objectives: To investigate long-term efficacy and safety outcomes in a multicentre cohort of patients treated with alemtuzumab. Methods: Patients treated from 2000 and followed-up at three regional centres were identified. Baseline and prospective data were obtained and validated by clinical record review. Results: One hundred patients were identified with a mean follow-up of 6.1 years (range 1–13). Forty patients were retreated with at least one further treatment cycle. Annualized relapse rates fell from 2.1 to 0.2 (p<0.0001) post-treatment and were sustained for up to eight years of follow-up. Mean change in EDSS score was +0.14. Forty-seven patients developed secondary autoimmunity. Conclusion: Observed reduction in relapse rates reflected those reported in clinical trials, but we were unable to corroborate previous observations of disability reversal. 40% of patients required additional treatment cycles. Autoimmune adverse events were common, occurring at a higher rate than previously reported, but were largely predictable, and could be managed effectively within a rigorous monitoring regime.
- Subjects
MULTIPLE sclerosis; ALEMTUZUMAB; AUTOIMMUNITY; DRUG efficacy; COHORT analysis; AUTOIMMUNE diseases
- Publication
Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 2016, Vol 22, Issue 9, p1215
- ISSN
1352-4585
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/1352458515614092