Journal Article

FZJ-2026-00954

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Serum neurofilament light chain as a biomarker of disease control in multiple sclerosis: a real-world cross-sectional analysis of therapeutic regimens

Konitsioti, A. M. (Corresponding author) ; Schweitzer, F. ; Johannis, W. ; Steffen, F. ; Bittner, S. ; Fink, G. R.FZJ* ; Schroeter, M. ; Warnke, C.

2026
Steinkopff [Darmstadt]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1007/s00415-025-13573-4  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2026-00954

Abstract: BackgroundSerum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is an established biomarker of disease activity and progression in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), with studies showing elevated sNfL levels during relapses and positive associations with disability scores.Objective To assess sNfL levels in PwMS receiving different disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), with a particular focus on extended-interval dosing (EID) regimens in real-world clinical practice.MethodsIn this two-center cross-sectional study, 172 PwMS without relapses in the preceding three months were included (University Hospital Cologne, n = 125; University Hospital Mainz, n = 47). Patients were categorized into the following groups: (1) low-efficacy DMT (leDMT; n = 8), (2) natalizumab standard-interval dosing (SID; every 4 weeks; n = 7), (3) natalizumab EID (every 6–8 weeks; n = 53), (4) ofatumumab (n = 17), (5) ocrelizumab SID (every 6 months; n = 48), (6) ocrelizumab EID (every 9 months; n = 17), and (7) no DMT (n = 19). sNfL levels were measured once in a cross-sectional design using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.Results No significant differences in sNfL levels were observed across DMT subgroups in the ANCOVA analysis after adjusting for age and the presence of new T2 lesions on the most recent cranial MRI. However, PwMS receiving DMTs showed lower sNfL levels compared with untreated patients. Notably EID of ocrelizumab (every 9 months; 1.56 pg/mL, 95% CI 1.26–1.85) and natalizumab (every 8 weeks; 1.46 pg/mL, 95% CI 1.29–1.64) was not associated with higher sNfL levels compared to standard interval dosing (SID) of ocrelizumab (1.45 pg/mL, 95% CI 1.27–1.63) or natalizumab (1.13 pg/mL, 95% CI 0.68–1.58).Conclusion EID regimens were not associated with increased sNfL levels, suggesting that they may effectively limit neuroaxonal damage. Larger studies that assess the added value sNfL monitoring for safely personalizing treatment intervals in PwMS with initially active disease are needed.

Note: Funding: Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL. The study was supported by an unrestricted grant from Novartis.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Kognitive Neurowissenschaften (INM-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 5251 - Multilevel Brain Organization and Variability (POF4-525) (POF4-525)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; DEAL Springer ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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