Context
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) is a pivotal neuropeptide in the development of migraine attacks. Over the last decade, CGRP has emerged as a target molecule for migraine treatment. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the CGRP pathway such as erenumab, galcanezumab, and fremanezumab have proven effective in clinical trials and real-world studies. Initially, the European Headache Federation (EHF) recommended 6-12 months of CGRP(-R) mAb treatment, followed by discontinuation. However, real-world evidence has highlighted a significant and continuous increase in migraine frequency upon discontinuation of treatment.
The effective measurement of changes in CGRP plasma levels could be relevant for treatment monitoring. In this study, the authors have aimed to assess differences in CGRP plasma concentrations during and after the cessation of CGRP(-R) mAb treatment. Additionally, they compared patients undergoing CGRP(-R) mAb treatment with those not receiving prophylactic
treatment. This investigation provides valuable insights into the impact of these treatments on CGRP levels and contributes to the broader understanding of migraine management.