Long-term outcome in multiple sclerosis patients treated with fingolimod

Abstract

Background and PurposeOngoing disease activity during treatment has been associated to worse disability outcomes in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to assess the 5-year response to fingolimod (FTY) treatment in patients with relapsing-remitting (RRMS) in a real-life setting. MethodsWe included RRMS patients who received FTY for at least 6 months and had a follow-up ≥ 60 months. Treatment response was assessed through the No Evidence of Disease Activity (NEDA)-3 status. ResultsEighty-eight patients were included, of which 51 (58.0%) were NTZ-naïve and 37 (42.0%) NTZ-switchers. The mean age was 38.9 (9.5) years and 58 (65.9%) were females. The proportion of patients on FTY treatment who maintained the NEDA-3 status at 5 years was 55.9% among NTZ-naïve patients and 35.0% among NTZ-switchers (p=0.138). Predictors of NEDA-3 status were lower Expanded Disability Status Scale score at baseline (adjOR=0.28, 95% CI 0.10-0.77; p=0.013) in NTZ-naïve patients and fewer relapses in the 12 months before starting FTY in NTZ-switchers (adjOR=0.05, 95% CI 0.003-0.79; p=0.034). ConclusionsThis study supports the potential of FTY as a disease-modifying treatment for the long-term management of RRMS patients. Patients with milder disability and fewer clinical relapses before treatment may achieve a better disease control.