B-Cell-Targeted Therapies for Black vs White Americans with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents differently across racial groups, with potentially greater involvement of humoral immunity in Black patients.
• Understanding treatment efficacy in diverse populations is crucial for equitable MS care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of anti-CD20 therapies in Black and White patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To evaluate differences in relapse rates, disability progression, and MRI outcomes between racial groups.

Main Methods:

• An observational study analyzing chart data from Weill Cornell MS database.
• Included 129 patients (42 Black, 87 White) with relapsing MS, treated with anti-CD20 therapy, EDSS ≤6.5, and ≥12 months follow-up.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in post-treatment annualized relapse rates (ARR) between Black and White patients (P=.696).
• Black patients had higher baseline ARR (P=.011) and similar post-treatment disability improvement compared to White patients.
• Both groups showed similar reductions in relapse rates and radiologic progression.

Conclusions:

• Anti-CD20 therapies demonstrate comparable effectiveness in reducing relapse rates and radiologic progression in Black and White patients with MS.
• Black patients with MS experienced faster B-cell repletion following anti-CD20 infusion.
• Despite higher baseline disease activity, Black patients achieve similar therapeutic benefits from anti-CD20 agents.