MRI-based analysis of the natalizumab therapeutic window in multiple sclerosis

Mult Scler. 2012 Sep;18(9):1337-9. doi: 10.1177/1352458512439438. Epub 2012 Mar 2.

Abstract

The recommended natalizumab dosage is 300 mg every 4 weeks. We evaluated radiological activity at various times from the last natalizumab infusion by examining 386 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 166 natalizumab-treated patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Of 113 scans performed >4 weeks after last natalizumab infusion, 26 were active (i.e. had ≥1 contrast-enhancing lesions). Risk of radiological activity increased by 1.34 fold for each week of delay with respect to the recommended 4-week dosing interval, compared with schedule-adherent patients (p<0.0001). Our data suggest that an increased MRI activity ≥7 weeks from the last infusion of natalizumab should be considered in cases of therapy discontinuation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage*
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage*
  • Infusions, Parenteral
  • Linear Models
  • Logistic Models
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / pathology*
  • Natalizumab
  • Odds Ratio
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Natalizumab