Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: Old & New Victor Chong Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Monash Medical Centre
Treatment Available 1. Injectables 2. Orals 3. Infusion
Injectables Interferon-β Avonex Plegridy Betaferon Rebif Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)
Injectables Old, safe and reliable Work by tweaking the immune system Flu-like symptoms, injection site reactions Serious adverse reactions are rare Not the most effective
Orals 1. Fingolimod (Gilenya) 2. Dimethylfumarate (Tecfidera) 3. Teriflunomide (Aubagio) 4. Cladribine (Mavenclad)
Orals 1. New, effective and convenient 2. Works by suppressing immune system 3. Gastrointestinal, liver, low white cells count 4. Serious side effects uncommon 5. Good efficacy
Infusions 1. Natalizumab (Tysabri) 2. Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) 3. Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)
Infusions 1. Powerful and hard hitting 2. Works by killing immune cells or interfering with their function 3. Immunosuppression, infections, other immune diseases 4. Most effective treatment
Why do some drugs work for months, others only hours?
Natalizumab (Tysabri) Works by blocking immune cells from entering the brain
Cladribine, Ocrelizumab & Alemtuzumab Works by killing blood cells Kills off CD4+, CD8+ CD19+, CD56+
Which one suits me?
Which one suits me?
How do we choose? Patients who don’t do well: 1. Older 2. Male 3. Smoker 4. Frequent attacks 5. Severe attacks 6. Incomplete recovery 7. Critical area scarring on MRI 8. Brain shrinkage
Other considerations … Personal Factors: 1. Life style & work 2. Risk adversity 3. Concerns 4. Preferences 5. Family plans
In summary Personal Disease Drug
Monitoring Regular check-ups for 1. Side effects 2. Efficacy 3. Disease progression 4. Changing treatment
Questions and answers …