Characterization of the Hispanic MS Patient on Alemtuzumab

Background: Alemtuzumab (anti-CD52) is one of the available disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for treatment of adults with aggressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It is a humanized monoclonal antibody drug (ati-CD52) and is usually prescribed to patients who have failed to two or more previous DMTs. 

Objectives: Describe the demographic and MS characteristics of the Puerto Rican Hispanic MS patient on anti-CD52 therapy

Methods: Data was obtained from an established registry through a retrospective analysis from a single MS clinic. A questionnaire containing both demographic and clinical data was given to each patient. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. 

Results: 47 patients were analyzed: 33 (70%) female and 14 (30%) male. Females had an average age of 41 and 55% were relapsing remitting. Males were 71% Secondary Progressive. Average age in males was 47 years of age. 61% of females and 64% of males had ≥3 DMTs prior to anti-CD52 use. 61% of females had adverse events (AEs) to anti-CD52. The most common AEs in females were abnormal TSH levels, rash, and bowel/urinary symptoms. 50% of males had AEs and the most common were rash, constipation, and dizziness. One serious AE was reported in the female group and consisted of pneumonia which required hospitalization. In the female group: 48% were disabled while 27% were working. 14% of males were employed. It was also seen that 63% and 57% of females and males, respectively, did not see change in their EDSS score when comparing pre and post anti-CD52 treatment. Comparison revealed improvement in 22% of females and 29% of males in their EDSS scores. Not all of these patients have completed their second year infusions. Long-term data on disability and EDSS progression, which is currently being collected, will be reported upon poster acceptance. 

Conclusions: This analysis showed the typical 3:1 female to male ratio seen in MS. We can conclude that in this MS population, male patients had a more severe MS presentation than females since 71% were SPMS. More so, males have higher disability percentage.  Anti-CD52 is shown here to be an effective MS treatment in Hispanic patients since preliminary data shows that most patients, both male and female, showed improvement or did not see any change in their EDSS. Only one serious AE was reported in both groups.