How to choose initial treatment in multiple sclerosis patients: a case-based approach

ABSTRACT

Background: Immunotherapy dramatically changed the natural history of multiple sclerosis (MS), which was classically associated with severe disability. Treatment strategies advocate that early control of disease activity is crucial to avoid progressive disability, and the use of high efficacy drugs may be beneficial, but safety is a concern. Choosing the disease-modifying therapy is challenging in clinical practice and should be further discussed. Objective: To discuss the state of art of selecting the initial therapy for relapsing MS patients. Methods: We used a case-based approach followed by clinical discussion, exploring therapeutic options in different MS settings. Results: We presented clinical cases profile compatible with the use of MS therapies, classified into moderate and high efficacy. In the moderate efficacy group, we discussed interferons, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate, while in the high efficacy group we discussed fingolimod, cladribine, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, alemtuzumab and ofatumumab. Conclusion:  Advances in MS treatment are remarkable. Strong evidence supports the use of early high efficacy therapy. However, biomarkers, clinical and radiologic prognostic factors, as well as patients' individual issues, should be valued and considered for a personalized treatment decision.

RESUMO

Antecedentes: A imunoterapia mudou drasticamente a história natural da esclerose múltipla (EM), doença esta que era classicamente associada a grandes incapacidades. Sabe-se hoje que o controle precoce da atividade de doença é crucial para evitar incapacidade progressiva, e o uso de terapias de alta eficácia pode ser benéfico. Apesar disso, a segurança ainda é uma preocupação dos pacientes e médicos. A escolha da terapia modificadora da doença é um desafio na prática clínica e suas particularidades devem ser mais discutidas. Objetivo Discutir o estado da arte da seleção da terapia inicial para pacientes com EM remitente recorrente. Métodos Utilizamos uma abordagem baseada em casos clínicos, com discussão das diversas opções terapêuticas em diferentes contextos de EM. Resultados: Foram apresentados casos clínicos compatíveis com o uso das principais terapias para EM, divididas em moderada e alta eficácia. No grupo de moderada eficácia discutimos sobre os interferons, acetato de glatirâmer, teriflunomida e fumarato de dimetila enquanto que no de alta eficácia falamos sobre fingolimode, cladribina, natalizumabe, ocrelizumabe, alentuzumabe e ofatumumabe. Conclusão Os avanços no tratamento da EM são notáveis. Fortes evidências suportam que o uso de terapia de alta eficácia de forma precoce possa ser benéfica. No entanto, biomarcadores, fatores prognósticos clínicos e radiológicos, bem como questões individuais dos pacientes, devem ser valorizados e considerados para uma decisão de tratamento personalizado.

Keywords:

Multiple Sclerosis - Therapeutics

Palavras-chave:

Esclerose Múltipla - Terapêutica

Authors’ contributions:

SLPA: Substantial contributions to the study design and development, writing of the article, and critical revision; MB, LT, NTM, IC: Substantial contributions to the data collection , writing of the article and critical revision.

Publication History

Received: 23 March 2022

Accepted: 29 April 2022

Article published online:
06 February 2023

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