title: Timing is everything in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
abstract: We present two similar cases of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, both of whom received treatment with the monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab, but had significantly different long-term outcomes. Patient A is 12 years into his illness and was treated early in his disease course, he has no disability and continues to perform at a high level as a professional golfer. Patient B was initially started on interferon-β1a therapy and went on to have two disabling relapses on this treatment which resulted in a degree of fixed disability prior to the start of alemtuzumab. 10 years into his disease course he has moderate disability and daily symptoms of spasticity in his legs which impair his quality of life. These two contrasting cases highlight the difficult decision of when to start potent immune modulating therapies for multiple sclerosis in young adults who appear well early in their disease but have the potential to rapidly accrue irreversible disability from future relapses.
authors: Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
authors: Claire Louise
authors: CL
authors: McCarthy
authors: Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
authors: Gavin
authors: G
authors: Giovannoni
authors: Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
authors: Alasdair John
authors: AJ
authors: Coles
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a