Mitoxantrone: benefits and risks in multiple sclerosis patients.

Abstract

Mitoxantrone (MTX) is a synthetic antineoplastic cytotoxic drug, active both on proliferative and non-proliferative cells. The efficacy of MTX has been suggested by many open-label or observational studies and demonstrated in four randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). It is indicated for reducing neurological disability and the frequency of clinical relapses in patients with progressive relapsing and worsening relapsing-remitting MS patients. The short-term most frequent adverse events observed in RCTs have been nausea/vomiting, alopecia, an increased risk of urinary and respiratory tract infections, phlebitis, transitory leukopenia, amenorrhea in female patients and infertility. However, the most serious risks of the drug are represented by potential cardiotoxicity and leukaemia, whose incidence seems to be higher than previously reported. Therefore, all potential serious adverse events should be carefully considered against the potential relevant benefits of MTX treatment on every single MS patient.

• Authors: V Martinelli, M Radaelli, L Straffi, M Rodegher, G Comi
• Journal: Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology (Neurol Sci) Vol. 30 Suppl 2 Pg. S167-70 (Oct 2009) ISSN: 1590-3478 [Electronic] Italy
• PMID: 19882368 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Mitoxantrone

Topics

• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Mitoxantrone (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Multiple Sclerosis (drug therapy, pathology)
• Risk Assessment