Effectiveness of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies in the preventive treatment of migraine: A prospective study of 63 patients

Med Clin (Barc). 2023 Apr 21;160(8):341-346. doi: 10.1016/j.medcli.2022.09.023. Epub 2023 Jan 7.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Introduction: Calcitonine Gen-Related Peptide (CGRP) established a revolution in migraine pathophysiology knowledge and has led to the development of new drugs specifically targeting this disease.

Methods: We present a prospective study in which 63 episodic and chronic migraine patients have been treated with anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies describing their efficacy, security and relapses after their interruption. Response predictors have been analyzed such they can help us to create a better treatment plan.

Results: Average age was 48.3 ± 11.81 years old, 84.1% of them being women. The average was of 15.59 migraine days per month (MDM). 63.5% of all patients suffered chronic migraine. The initial dose of Erenumab in all patient was 70 mg subcutaneous. This was increased to 140 mg in 47.6% of the patients. An MDM reduction between 49.85% and 59.53% was obtained within three to twelve months from the start of treatment. Constipation was present in 17.5% of the patients and 4.8% suffered injection site reaction. The treatment was changed to Galcanezumab in 17.9% of the patients. After interrupting the treatment, 23 patients relapsed with a good response on reintroduction of the treatment. It was not possible to establish a clear response predictor, however a statistically significant increase in the number of days of improvement was observed with more MDM at baseline level (p = 0.002).

Conclusions: Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies are effective, safe, and well tolerated drugs. We have observed that their discontinuation, in some cases can lead to frequent and early relapses so we strongly recommend to extend the treatment in those patients with a higher MDM.

Keywords: Calcitonin gene-related peptide; Chronic; Crónica; Días de migraña; Episodic; Episódica; Erenumab; Migraine; Migraine days; Migraña; Péptido relacionado con el gen de la calcitonina.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / immunology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Migraine Disorders* / prevention & control
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide