Immunotherapies for Multiple Sclerosis

Tramacere and colleagues boldly conducted a network meta-analysis of no less than 39 individual RCTs of immunotherapy for Multiple Sclerosis.[1] The treatments as a class both prevent deterioration (measured by EDSS [Expanded Disability Status Scale] score) and reduce the frequency of relapses. Some of the medicines within the class appear significantly better than others. But the trials are of only moderate quality on the GRADE score, and the follow-up is limited, mostly to two years. The really important data will come with the ten year follow-up results from the English Risk-Sharing Scheme, which is due to report imminently.

— Richard Lilford, CLAHRC WM Director

Reference:

1. Tramacere I, Del Giovane C, Filippini G. Association of Immunotherapies with Outcomes in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. JAMA. 2016; 315(4): 409-10.