Natalizumab treatment for multiple sclerosis: updated recommendations for patient selection and monitoring

Lancet Neurol. 2011 Aug;10(8):745-58. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(11)70149-1.

Abstract

Natalizumab, a highly specific α4-integrin antagonist, is approved for treatment of patients with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). It is generally recommended for individuals who have not responded to a currently available first-line disease-modifying therapy or who have very active disease. The expected benefits of natalizumab treatment have to be weighed against risks, especially the rare but serious adverse event of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. In this Review, we revisit and update previous recommendations on natalizumab for treatment of patients with RRMS, based on additional long-term follow-up of clinical studies and post-marketing observations, including appropriate patient selection and management recommendations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Drug Monitoring / methods
  • Drug Monitoring / standards*
  • Humans
  • Integrin alpha4beta1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / chemically induced
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Natalizumab
  • Patient Selection*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic / standards*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Integrin alpha4beta1
  • Natalizumab