May 04, 2009
Leukemia risk higher for mitoxantrone
The risk of developing leukemia as a side effect of a drug for secondary progressive MS is higher than previously reported, according to a study presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting.
Previous studies have shown that the people with MS treated with mitoxantrone (Novantrone, EMD Serono) have an increased risk of developing leukemia. The recent study showed that the risk may be three to ten times as high as previously reported, or as many as one in 135 people taking the drug.
“This rate is significantly higher than what has been previously reported,” said study author Vittorio Martinelli, MD, of University Vita-Salute in Milan, Italy. “The potential risk of leukemia should be carefully considered against the potential benefits of mitoxantrone treatment on every single patient.”
Mitoxantrone is one of only two drugs that has been shown to benefit people with secondary progressive MS. It is important that everyone being treated with mitoxantrone undergo prolonged and careful follow-up to check for acute leukemia, Martinelli said.