Glatiramer acetate [Copaxone] after induction therapy w/ mitoxantrone [Novantrone] in RRMS

This is a new study that was released last week.  I just finished reading it. The results look promising but I continue to be concerned about the long term effects of Novantrone, which this study does not look at.  

I'm waiting to hear back from the MS clinic regarding my concerns about taking this route.  Will keep you posted.  In the meantime, I've cited the abstract for those who are interested:


"Forty relapsing MS patients with 1–15 Gd-enhancing lesions on MRI and EDSS scores 0–6.5 were randomized to receive short-term induction therapy with mitoxantrone (three monthly 12 mg/m2 infusions) followed by 12 months of daily glatiramer acetate (GA) therapy 20 mg/day subcutaneously for a total of 15 months  or daily GA 20 mg/day for 15 months. MRI scans were performed at months 6, 9, 12 and 15.

The primary measure of outcome was incidence of adverse events; secondary measures included number of Gd-enhanced lesions, confirmed relapses and EDSS changes.  

Both treatments were safe and well tolerated. M-GA induction produced an 89% greater reduction  in the number of Gd-enhancing lesions at months 6 and 9 and a 70% reduction at months 12 and 15 versus GA alone.  
Mean relapse rates were 0.16 and 0.32 in the M-GA and GA groups, respectively.

Short-term immunosuppression with mitoxantrone followed by daily GA for up to 15 months was found to be safe and effective, with an early and sustained decrease in MRI disease activity."



FYI, for those subjects who received the combination therapy, side effects were:
81% infections (ie: sinusitis, flu, respiratory, urinary)
66% nausea
28% alopecia
14% Amenorrhea
42 % IPIR
47% Injection site reactions


So I'm still with ya'll who think Tysabri may be the way to go.  But still really hoping I can try Copaxone first.........

db