Abstract:
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate safety (infusion-related reactions [IRRs]) and patient satisfaction (patient-reported outcomes [PROs]) for at-home ocrelizumab administration for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods: This open-label study included adult patients with an MS diagnosis who had completed a ≥ 600-mg ocrelizumab dose, had a patient-determined disease steps score of 0 to 6 and had completed PROs. Eligible patients received a 600-mg ocrelizumab home-based infusion over 2 h, followed by 24-h and 2-week post-infusion follow-up calls. IRRs and adverse events (AEs) were documented during infusions and follow-up calls. PROs were completed before and 2 weeks post infusion.
Results: Overall, 99 of 100 expected patients were included (mean [SD] age, 42.3 [7.7] years; 72.7% female; 91.9% White). The mean (SD) infusion time was 2.5 (0.6) hours, and 75.8% of patients completed their ocrelizumab infusion between 2 to 2.5 h. The IRR incidence rate was 25.3% (95% CI: 16.7%, 33.8%)-similar to other shorter ocrelizumab infusion studies-and all AEs were mild/moderate. In total, 66.7% of patients experienced AEs, including itch, fatigue, and grogginess. Patients reported significantly increased satisfaction with the at-home infusion process and confidence in the care provided. Patients also reported a significant preference for at-home infusion compared with prior infusion center experiences.
Interpretation: IRRs and AEs occurred at acceptable rates during in-home infusions of ocrelizumab over a shorter infusion time. Patients reported increased confidence and comfort with the home infusion process. Findings from this study provide evidence of the safety and feasibility of home-based ocrelizumab infusion over a shorter infusion period.
Reference:Barrera B, Simpson H, Engebretson E, Sillau S, Valdez B, Parra-González J, Winger RC, Epperson LA, Banks A, Pierce K, Spotts M, O’Gean K, Alvarez E, Gross R, Piquet AL, Schreiner T, Corboy JR, Pei J, Vollmer TL, Nair KV. Safety and patient experience with at-home infusion of ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2023 Feb 22. doi: 10.1002/acn3.51745. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36811392.