Doctors at Cedars Sinai Medical Center are gearing up to administer lecanemab, a new Alzheimer’s disease treatment that is expected to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the coming months. The therapy, marketed as Leqembi, has shown promising results in slowing cognitive decline by extracting amyloid proteins from the brain and reducing tau protein accumulation. However, the treatment carries certain risks such as brain bleeding and swelling, requiring careful patient screening.
Lecanemab works by pulling amyloid proteins, which disrupt brain function, from the brain. Clinical trial data has demonstrated its ability to significantly reduce amyloid plaques and moderately slow cognitive decline. The treatment is specifically designed for patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease and is not recommended for those with more severe dementia or individuals with normal cognitive function but at risk for Alzheimer’s. The treatment involves an 18-month regimen of IV infusions and MRIs.
Cedars-Sinai patient care teams are working to create a comprehensive process to support patients throughout the screening and treatment process. Dr. Sarah Kremen, who leads the Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trial Program at Cedars-Sinai, emphasized the importance of ensuring that potential patients understand the treatment process, risks, and potential benefits.
Dr. Zaldy Tan, the medical director of the Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders at Cedars-Sinai, stated that while lecanemab is not a perfect solution, it represents a positive step forward in Alzheimer’s treatment. With over 6 million people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the U.S., there is a need for effective treatments, and lecanemab shows promise in that regard.
The treatment is not without risks, including brain bleeding and swelling. However, the potential benefits for patients, such as delaying disease progression by a few months, can be meaningful in terms of improved cognitive function and quality of life.
Cedars-Sinai hopes to begin administering lecanemab to eligible patients in the coming months. The multidisciplinary team at the medical center has been working on developing a robust process to handle pre-treatment screening, follow-up care, and addressing any challenges that may arise.
Patients who qualify for lecanemab treatment will undergo diagnostic evaluations to confirm Alzheimer’s disease as the cause of their cognitive impairment. Additionally, specialized brain imaging or spinal fluid tests may be required to confirm the presence of amyloid. Genetic testing will also be conducted to assess the risk of brain bleeds and swelling.
The costs associated with lecanemab treatment include the drug itself, which is estimated to cost around $26,500 per year, as well as expenses related to pre-treatment testing and monitoring. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has indicated that Medicare will cover the treatment in appropriate settings, but it remains unclear if Medicare or private insurers will cover testing and monitoring costs, leaving the out-of-pocket expenses for patients uncertain.
In conclusion, lecanemab is a promising Alzheimer’s disease treatment on the brink of FDA approval. While it carries certain risks and is not a perfect solution, it represents a significant step forward in managing the disease. Cedars Sinai Medical Center is preparing to offer this treatment to eligible patients in the coming months, providing hope for improved cognitive function and quality of life for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s.