Natalizumab discontinuation in a Dutch real-world cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To determine characteristics of multiple sclerosis patients that discontinued natalizumab treatment in a real-world cohort.

METHODS

Data was collected from an ongoing observational cohort study of all natalizumab treated patients at the Amsterdam UMC.

RESULTS

Of 253 patients who ever received natalizumab treatment, 147 have discontinued treatment. The most frequent reason for treatment discontinuation was JC-virus (JCV) positivity.

CONCLUSIONS

JCV positivity seems the most frequent reason for natalizumab discontinuation. The heterogeneity in treatment switches reflects the advances made in treatment options, and underlines the need for adequate patient counselling.