Alemtuzumab treatment for multiple sclerosis in Austria: An observational long-term outcome study

Tobias Moser (First author), Fabian Foettinger, Wolfgang Hitzl (Co-author), Bianka Novotna, Thomas Berger, Gabriel Bsteh, Franziska Di Pauli, Harald Hegen, Barbara Kornek, Dieter Langenscheidt, Johann Sellner* (Last author)

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalOriginal Article (Journal)peer-review

Abstract

Background/Objective: Observational real-world study to analyze the clinical effects of alemtuzumab (ALEM) and subsequent disease-modifying therapy (DMT) usage in multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Data retrieved from the Austrian MS treatment registry (AMSTR) included baseline (BL) characteristics (at ALEM start), annualized relapse rate (ARR), 6-month confirmed progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA; >= 0.5-point Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score increase), 6-month confirmed disability improvement (CDI; >= 0.5-point EDSS decrease), and safety outcomes until initiation of a subsequent DMT. The EDSS was re-baselined at 30 days from ALEM start (BL EDSS). Results: Eighty-seven ALEM-treated patients (median age: 32 years, 72% female, 14% treatment-na & iuml;ve) were followed for a median of 55 (interquartile range 31-68) months. We found significant reductions in the ARR from 1.16 before ALEM to 0.15 throughout Years 1-9 (p < 0.001). Subsequent DMTs were initiated in 19 patients (22%, 74% anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies). At Year 5 (n = 53), more patients achieved CDI (58%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 45%-71%) than had experienced PIRA (14%, CI 7.5%-24%), and 58% remained relapse-free. Shorter MS duration (p < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) 0.86 (CI 0.80-0.93)) and no previous high-efficacy treatment (p < 0.001, HR 5.16 (CI 2.66-10.0)) were the best predictors of CDI, while PIRA was associated with a higher number of previous DMTs (p = 0.04, HR 3.06, CI 1.05-8.89). We found no new safety signals. Interpretation: ALEM had long-lasting beneficial effects on the ARR and disability improvement, especially when initiated early in the course of the disease. Only a subset of patients received subsequent DMTs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1442-1455
Number of pages14
JournalANNALS OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROLOGY
Volume11
Issue number6
Early online dateMay 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024

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