Role of Monoclonal Antibody "Alemtuzumab" in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

This article will review current treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) while keeping our primary focus on alemtuzumab, as it is now approved in more than 65 countries. From a pathophysiological point of view, MS is a disabling disease impacting a patient's life both physically and mentally, leading to devastating social and economic impact. This review will elaborate on alemtuzumab's role in treating relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) by comparing its efficacy, side effects, and monitoring with other disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) available in the market. It is a point of great concern not only for physicians but also for neurologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, dermatologists, and oncologists when encountering long-term effects of alemtuzumab in the life of treated MS patients. We hope that our review will not only benefit treating faculties but also those who are suffering from this devastating disease.

Keywords: alemtuzumab; disease-modifying therapies; immune-mediated thrombocytopenia; multiple sclerosis; nephropathy; secondary autoimmune diseases; thyroid disorders.

Figure 1. Adverse effects associated with alemtuzumab and their monitoring

CBC: complete blood count, TRAB: thyrotropin receptor antibodies, ITP: immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.