Transitioning immunotherapy in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder - when and how to switch

Newly approved immunotherapies for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have transformed the treatment landscape and improved disability outcomes. However, there are many remaining questions regarding transitioning immunotherapies in NMOSD that have not been addressed by randomized controlled trials.

This review focuses on the practical questions of managing and switching immunotherapies for NMOSD, including how to transition between immunotherapies, deciding when and if therapy should be discontinued, and transitioning during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Clinical experience and retrospective studies of real-world outcomes and complications associated with therapy, as well as therapy transitions, will help inform practice patterns moving forward. Strategies for transitioning between immunotherapies should consider the pharmacokinetics and the onset of clinical efficacy for each drug. Despite all the currently approved preventative immunotherapies, there are limited treatment options for those suffering from significant disability after their initial attack, and remyelination therapies are an important area for future research.