Interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, glatiramer acetate, and mitoxantrone (for treatment of multiple sclerosis)

Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement
Record ID 32003000557
English
Authors' objectives:

This review aims to assess the available evidence on the effectiveness of interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, glatiramer acetate, and mitoxantrone for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Authors' recommendations: With regard to treatments for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) or secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), the ICSI Technology Assessment Committee finds the following: IFNB-1a, IFNB-1b, and glatiramer acetate, in blinded studies, have all been found to be safe and effective in reducing the frequency and severity of relapses for patients with definite RRMS. For IFNB-1a and IFNB-1b, there is evidence of a dose-response and objective (MRI) findings that support the clinical findings. To date, limited evidence is available directly comparing the three treatments and only short-term (up to 6 years) follow-up data are available. Patients with definite RRMS should be considered for treatment with IFNB-1a, IFNB-1b, or glatiramer acetate; the decision to treat and the choice of treatment depend on the individual patient taking into account life style and possible side effects. (Conclusion Grade I) In one Phase III study, MTX was found to be safe and effective in delaying progression of disease in patients with SPMS. However, patients receiving MTX should be monitored for cardiac, liver and kidney function during treatment. (Conclusion Grade II)
Authors' methods: Review
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2001
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: United States
MeSH Terms
  • Interferons
  • Mitoxantrone
  • Multiple Sclerosis
Contact
Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement
Contact Address: 8009 34th Avenue South, Suite 1200, Bloomington, MN, USA. Tel: +1 952 814 7060; Fax: +1 952 858 9675
Contact Name: icsi.info@icsi.org
Contact Email: icsi.info@icsi.org
Copyright: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.