Self-Assessment: Immune Mediated Peripheral Neuropathies | Paradigm Clashes: Debate & Exploration in Choosing Traditional vs Novel Immunotherapeutics for MG-Paradigm Clashes: Dr. Guidon Presentation

Paradigm Clashes: Dr. Guidon Presentation

Pdf Summary

The document presents a detailed exploration of traditional therapies versus novel immunotherapeutics for the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis (MG), focusing on the limitations and complications associated with conventional treatments. It argues for minimizing traditional therapies in MG due to their broad and non-selective mechanisms of action, slow onset of benefit, significant side effect profiles, and increased cancer risks.<br /><br />Traditional therapies like corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are noted for their substantial side effects, including serious infections, hypertension, diabetes, and nephrotoxicity, among others. Corticosteroids, often referred to as both "best and worst treatment," require extensive monitoring and prevention measures, contributing to the treatment burden. Maintenance therapies like IVIG and plasma exchange, while beneficial, present challenges such as side effects, limited availability, and difficulty in achieving disease remission. Immunosuppressants also create an elevated risk of cancer due to suppressed immune surveillance.<br /><br />The document suggests the need for better and additional symptomatic therapies that are more predictable in terms of their response and less burdensome in side effects and administration. It emphasizes the development of targeted therapies that could drive MG into remission, offer ease of administration, and carry minimal long-term cancer risks.<br /><br />Highlighting the recent FDA approval of six new drugs targeting MG, the text suggests a promising shift toward more effective and safer treatment options. The document concludes by emphasizing the need for advancements in therapy that address severe disease predictability, therapy response, and patient safety, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.<br /><br />Feedback from the audience is encouraged to improve future presentations, with reminders about utilizing the AANEM app for recording session attendance and obtaining educational credits.

Keywords

Myasthenia Gravis

traditional therapies

immunotherapeutics

corticosteroids

immunosuppressants

side effects

cancer risks

targeted therapies

FDA approval

patient safety