DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       MS Speaks
  HTML https://msspeaks.createaforum.com
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       *****************************************************
   DIR Return to: LEMTRADA (Campath, alemtuzumab)
       *****************************************************
       #Post#: 989--------------------------------------------------
       (Abst.) Alemtuzumab for MS: Long-term follow-up in multi-center 
       cohort
       By: agate Date: October 30, 2015, 3:20 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       From Multiple Sclerosis Journal, October 30, 2015:
       [quote]Alemtuzumab for multiple sclerosis: Long term follow-up
       in a multi-centre cohort
       MD Willis
       Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience,
       Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, UK/Department
       of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, UK
       KE Harding
       Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience,
       Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, UK/Department
       of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, UK
       TP Pickersgill
       Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, UK
       M Wardle
       Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, UK
       OR Pearson
       Department of Neurology, Morriston Hospital, UK
       NJ Scolding
       Department of Neurology, Southmead Hospital, UK
       J Smee
       Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, UK
       NP Robertson⇑
       Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience,
       Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, UK/Department
       of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, UK
       Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience,
       Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park,
       Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.
       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.[/quote]
       *****************************************************