title: Induction and add-on therapy with mitoxantrone and interferon beta in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: We retrospectively analyzed data from 70 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with mitoxantrone (MX) before Interferon-beta (IFN-beta) because of clinically and MRI very active isolated syndrome (CIS) or relapsing-remitting MS (induction therapy) or due to breakthrough/persistently active disease in spite of IFN-beta (add-on/combination therapy), or for increased disability suggesting a secondary progression (rescue therapy). After almost 2-year follow-up, relapse rate and disability decreased very significantly in the two former groups while MX was essentially ineffective as rescue therapy. Induction therapy is a valid option for very aggressive/active CIS and MS at onset.
authors.affiliation: Centro Studi Sclerosi Multipla, Gallarate, Italy. mauro.zaffaroni@aogallarate.it
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zaffaroni
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rizzo
authors.forename: Silvana Maria
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Baldini
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ghezzi
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Comi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D018450:Disease Progression; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004347:Drug Interactions / Q000276:immunology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008942:Mitoxantrone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016899:Interferon-beta; D008942:Mitoxantrone