Abstract:
Background. Reliable biomarkers are essential for monitoring treatment response and
personalizing care in multiple sclerosis. This review presents data suggesting that Cladribine
may influence cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oligoclonal band count (OCB), supporting the
potential use of OCBs as a marker of therapeutic efficacy.
Objective(s). This study aims to investigate the correlation between cerebrospinal fluid
oligoclonal band (OCB) levels and the duration of Cladribine therapy in patients diagnosed
with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Materials and methods. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library,
Research Gate, and Scopus was conducted to identify studies published between 1994 and
2024. The research included terms such as "Multiple Sclerosis," "Oligoclonal band," and
"Cladribine,". From A total of 440
Results. s, only (RCT's and cohort studies) five relevant sources were identified.
Results. Across five selected studies, including cohort designs and randomized controlled
trials, Cladribine treatment was consistently associated with reduced cerebrospinal fluid
oligoclonal bands (OCBs). Sipe et al. (1994) reported a decline in mean OCB intensity from
29.9 (SD ±4.2) to 25.0 (SD ±3.3) after 6 months. Allen-Philbey et al. (2024) observed full OCB
conversion in 40% of treated patients vs.18.2% in placebo. Single-arm studies showed
similar trends; Rejdak et al. (2019) reported 55.2% conversion at 10 years, while Naismith
et al. (2024) and Nicola De Stefano et al. (2024) analysis noted progressive reductions in
OCB concentrations.
Conclusion(s). This review suggests a correlation between CSF oligoclonal band count and
Cladribine treatment duration in MS. Despite heterogeneity, limited data, and small sample sizes, the findings support the need for further research into biomarkers for monitoring
response to Cladribine.
