The use of alemtuzumab in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: the Gulf perspective

Abstract

Over the past decade, the development of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) has been responsible for more effective management of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). However, the gaps in optimal care for this complex disease remain. Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada®) is a highly efficacious DMT that shows better patient outcomes and therapeutic benefits, but its use is under-recognized in the Gulf region. Experts in the care of multiple sclerosis shared their opinions based on study data and daily clinical experience in identifying the appropriate patient profile suitable for alemtuzumab’s therapeutic benefits. Age, disease activity and severity, disability status, physician experience, and economic condition are some of the key indicators for alemtuzumab use.

Pericardial Effusion: A Novel Presentation of Aplastic Anemia

“…Several cases were previously reported describing pericardial effusions secondary to cytotoxic agents and disease-modifying therapies in the treatment of various neoplastic and nonneoplastic conditions. One report discusses alemtuzumab [9]. Scattered reports, as well as the European Society of Cardiology guidelines, discuss cyclosporine-associated [8,14] and sirolimus-associated pericardial effusions [15].…”

“…Pericardial effusion has not been reported in the published literature in the setting of aplastic anemia, although it has been reported in the setting of treatments used in aplastic anemia including cyclosporine and alemtuzumab (specifically after hemopoietic stem cell transplant). However, these reports were of patients being treated for diseases other than aplastic anemia [8,9].…”

Role of Plant-Derived Natural Compounds in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: A Review of the Treatment Potential and Development Strategy

“…Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that occurs in the central nervous system (CNS) ( Alroughani et al, 2020 ). Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model used to study the pathogenesis or treatment of MS ( Orefice et al, 2020 ).…”