The present study performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-B-cell monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). To the best of our knowledge, no previous meta‑analysis has evaluated this. Relevant studies published until March 2015 were retrieved from the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library using the following keywords: ‘Clinical trial’, ‘randomized’, ‘multiple sclerosis’ or ‘MS’ and ‘monoclonal antibodies’ or ‘mAbs’. Two authors independently selected the articles and extracted the data. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.3 software. Four randomized clinical trials comprising a total of 745 patients were selected. Anti‑B‑cell mAb treatment reduced the formation of gadolinium‑enhancing lesions [mean difference (MD)=‑5.62; 95% confidence interval (CI)=‑8.00 to ‑3.24; P<0.001) and was associated with smaller volume changes of lesions on T2‑weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MD=‑604.40; 95% CI=‑941.23 to ‑267.57; P<0.001). It also significantly reduced the proportion of MS patients having at least one relapse [odds ratio (OR)=0.25; 95% CI=0.14‑0.44; P<0.001). Compared to placebo, anti‑B‑cell mAb treatment did not increase the frequency of adverse events (OR=0.90; 95% CI=0.54‑1.49; P=0.68) and serious adverse events (OR=1.13; 95% CI=0.70‑1.80; P=0.62). In conclusion, the present meta-analysis suggested that anti‑B‑cell mAbs are a relatively effective and safe treatment for MS.

Related Articles