Epub ahead of print: Button et al. Magnetization transfer imaging in multiple sclerosis treated with alemtuzumab. Mult Scler. 2012 Apr 5.
The magnetization transfer ratio reflects the integrity of tissue
structure, including myelination and axonal density. Mean magnetization
transfer ratio fell in 18 untreated MSers both in normal appearing grey (-0.25 pu/year, p < 0.001) and white
matter (-0.12 pu/year, p = 0.004). Conversely, mean magnetization
transfer ratio was stable in 20 alemtuzumab-treated patients (grey
matter: -0.01 pu/year, p = 0.87; white matter: -0.02 pu/year, p = 0.51).
The gradient difference in grey matter was 0.25 pu/year (p < 0.001)
after age-adjustment. These data suggest that in multiple sclerosis alemtuzumab protects against tissue damage in normal-appearing grey matter, perhaps by preventing new lesion formation.
"It looks as if Alemtuzumab is neuroprotective. This is a very important observation and if confirmed will be very good news for MSers and more evidence to support early aggressive treatment to prevent gray matter damage."
CoI: multiple