Alemtuzumab for relapsing multiple sclerosis in clinical practice: A four-year retrospective one-center study.

BACKGROUND: Disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis have been developed tremendously over the last two decades.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the short-, medium-, and long-term safety of alemtuzumab in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

METHOD: This retrospective observational study (2015-2019) included all patients with highly active or rapidly progressing and aggressive RRMS who were treated with alemtuzumab at the Cabueñes University Hospital. The short-, medium-, and long-term adverse effects were evaluated following the risk management program of the European Medicines Agency.

RESULTS: 39 patients were included, 23 of them received at least two cycles of treatment. Most patients showed at least one adverse event. The following adverse reactions were reported: infusional reactions (17), urinary tract infections (six), thrombopenia (five), and thyroid dysfunction (six).

CONCLUSION: In clinical practice alemtuzumab showed an acceptable safety profile in selected patients even if all of them suffered at least one adverse effect. Thorough and prolonged follow-up is required to further confirm the safety of this drug.