Real-world outcomes of cladribine in people ≥55 years of age with multiple sclerosis.
Publication Title
Mult Scler Relat Disord
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2026
Keywords
oregon; portland; psvmc
Abstract
Background: Treatment strategies for older adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) require reassessment, particularly for those seeking to simplify or discontinue disease‑modifying therapy (DMT). Cladribine may represent a transition option. We aimed to describe clinical outcomes and treatment‑related adverse events in individuals ≥55 years with RMS who initiated cladribine within a western US health system.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients ≥18 years with RMS who received at least one course of cladribine between March 2019, and April 2024.
Results: Of 267 patients reviewed, 107 were ≥55 years old (72.9% female; median age 63.0 [58.4-67.2]). During a median follow‑up of 16.0 (7.0-28.0) months, the annualized relapse rate on cladribine was 0.00. Median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at year 2 was 3.3 (2.5-6.5; n = 44). Three patients transitioned to another DMT, with a median time to new DMT of 35.0 (19.0-35.0) months.
Conclusions: In this older cohort, most patients were stable after switching to cladribine. While cladribine was generally well-tolerated, larger prospective studies are needed to better define its effectiveness in older adults with RMS.
Area of Special Interest
Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)
Specialty/Research Institute
Neurosciences
DOI
10.1016/j.msard.2026.107215
