OBJECTIVES: Dutch data is available for the total MS population, however, lacking for phenotypes as SPMS. Treatment patterns are unclear for SPMS patients due to the lack of registered proven efficacious DMTs. This research intends to fill the gap in MS by obtaining country level data for SPMS. The data is included in reimbursement dossiers to increase certainty in HTA reimbursement decisions.

METHODS: A survey under Dutch MS specialists and nurses utilizing a structured iPad-based questionnaire on SPMS. A total of 30 neurologists and 44 nurses in 46 centers have participated in this survey from December 2018 to April 2019. Together, these responders represent over 60% of hospitals in the Netherlands.

RESULTS: Based on the preliminary results of this survey, the percentage of MS patients with a SPMS phenotype is on average 23% in the Netherlands. The transition time from RRMS to SPMS is 17 months and 17% to 22% of RRMS patients are estimated to be in transition to SPMS. The majority of SPMS patients are not treated with DMTs (70%). First-line DMTs (including interferons, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate) are used by 20% of the patients. Other DMTs of use in SPMS patients are fingolimod (3%), natalizumab (2%), alemtuzumab (1%), ocrelizumab (2%) and other DMTs (2%).

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides contemporary data on the prevalence and the current treatment of SPMS patients in the Netherlands.