TY - JOUR
T1 - Mitoxantrone
T2 - Benefits and risks in multiple sclerosis patients
AU - Martinelli, V.
AU - Radaelli, M.
AU - Straffi, L.
AU - Rodegher, M.
AU - Comi, G.
PY - 2009
Y1 - 2009
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - Adverse events
KW - Leukaemia
KW - Mitoxantrone
KW - Multiple sclerosis
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=74049140477&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=74049140477&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10072-009-0142-7
DO - 10.1007/s10072-009-0142-7
M3 - Article
C2 - 19882368
AN - SCOPUS:74049140477
VL - 30
JO - Neurological Sciences
JF - Neurological Sciences
SN - 1590-1874
IS - SUPPL. 2
ER -