Optimization and stratification of multiple sclerosis treatment in fast developing economic countries: a perspective from Qatar

Objective: The introduction of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) - with varying degrees of efficacy for reducing annual relapse rate and disability progression - has considerably transformed the therapeutic landscape of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). We aim to develop rational evide...

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Published in:Current medical research and opinion 2017-03, Vol.33 (3), p.439-458
Main Authors: Deleu, Dirk, Mesraoua, Boulenouar, El Khider, Hisham, Canibano, Beatriz, Melikyan, Gayane, Al Hail, Hassan, Mhjob, Noha, Bhagat, Anjushri, Ibrahim, Faiza, Hanssens, Yolande
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alemtuzumab
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized - therapeutic use
Clinically isolated syndrome
Dimethyl Fumarate - therapeutic use
disease-modifying therapy
escalation
Fingolimod Hydrochloride - therapeutic use
Humans
Immunoglobulin G - therapeutic use
Interferons - therapeutic use
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting - drug therapy
optimizing treatment
Qatar
risk stratification
treatment algorithm
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Summary:Objective: The introduction of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) - with varying degrees of efficacy for reducing annual relapse rate and disability progression - has considerably transformed the therapeutic landscape of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). We aim to develop rational evidence-based treatment recommendations and algorithms for the management of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and RRMS that conform to the healthcare system in a fast-developing economic country such as Qatar. Research design and methods: We conducted a systematic review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1 January 1990 through 30 September 2016). Additional searches of the American Academy of Neurology and European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis abstracts from 2012 through 2016 were performed, in addition to searches of the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency websites to obtain relevant safety information on these DMTs. Results: For each of the DMTs, the mode of action, efficacy, safety and tolerability are briefly discussed. To facilitate the interpretation, the efficacy data of the pivotal phase III trials are expressed by their most clinically useful measure of therapeutic efficacy, the number needed to treat (NNT). In addition, an overview of head-to-head trials in RRMS is provided as well as a summary of the several different RRMS management strategies (lateral switching, escalation, induction, maintenance and combination therapy) and the potential role of each DMT. Finally, algorithms were developed for CIS, active and highly active or rapidly evolving RRMS and subsequent breakthrough disease or suboptimal treatment response while on DMTs. The benefit-to-risk profiles of the DMTs, taking into account patient preference, allowed the provision of rational and safe patient-tailored treatment algorithms. Conclusions: Recommendations and algorithms for the management of CIS and RRMS have been developed relevant to the healthcare system of this fast-developing economic country.
ISSN:0300-7995
1473-4877
DOI:10.1080/03007995.2016.1261818