Early use of cladribine tablets for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: Expert opinion

Abstract

In March 2020, oral cladribine was licensed in Russian Federation for the treatment of adult patients with highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis as defined by clinical or imaging features. Three years after the introduction into the Russian market, practical aspects in the use of cladribine tablets we evaluated, including data from real-world studies and the experience gained in the own routine clinical practice. Early initiation of cladribine therapy, use of cladribine in treatment naïve patients and patients with suboptimal response to previous disease-modifying therapy, use of cladribine as the treatment of choice in patients with suboptimal response to platform disease-modifying therapy and washout period while switching to cladribine from other disease-modifying therapy. During the discussion thirteen neurologists from federal and regional centers experienced in multiple sclerosis diagnosis and therapy were asked to answer several questions regarding the practical use of cladribine tables and come to consensus opinion. Consent was reached if at least 75% of the experts agreed on a particular statement. The experts agreed on the possibility to switch patients to cladribine from platform disease-modifying therapy in case of MRI activity or neutralizing antibodies in the absence of relapses activity to achieve better disease control, potential cladribine effects on progression independent of relapses, washout period reduction while switching from natalizumab to cladribine. Consensus opinion will help to manage practical questions regarding cladribine usage.