Combination of cyclophosphamide and interferon-β halts progression in patients with rapidly transitional multiple sclerosis. Issue 3 (1st September 2001)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patti, F; Cataldi, M L; Nicoletti, F; Reggio, E; Nicoletti, A; Reggio, A
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 71:Issue 3(2001)
• Page Start: 404
• Page End: 407
• Publication Date: 2001-09-01
• Subjects: multiple sclerosis -- interferon-β -- cyclophosphamide; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.71.3.404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : The effects of combined treatment with cyclophosphamide (CTX) and interferon-β (IFN-β) are described in selected patients with "rapidly transitional" multiple sclerosis. This form of multiple sclerosis is extremely active with very frequent and severe attacks which produce a dramatic increase on the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Ten patients with rapidly transitional multiple sclerosis were previously treated with interferon-β, but none benefited by this treatment. Monthly treatment with intravenous CTX, from 500 mg/m 2 to 1500 mg/m 2 to obtain a chronic lymphocytopenia (600/mm 3 to 900/mm 3 ) produced a marked and significant reduction in the number of relapses (p<0.0001), disability previously accumulated (p<0.0001), and a reduction of T2 MRI burden of lesion. This particular group of patients benefited by combining cyclophosphamide and IFN-β. The possibility is considered of carrying out further studies to test the efficacy of the association between the two drugs for patients who are not responsive to IFN-β or other active disease modifying therapies.