Journal article
A nomogram for the prediction of response to anti-CGRP mAbs: the CGRP score
Journal of headache and pain, v 26(1), 190
01 Sep 2025
PMID: 40890582
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Introduction
Real-world studies have explored potential predictors of response to anti-calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), though results have remained inconsistent. Machine learning (ML) algorithms are becoming increasingly relevant in migraine research, offering a data-driven approach to identifying predictors of response to preventive treatments. To maximize their potential, a clinically applicable and user-oriented framework is needed to promote the use of these algorithms in research and, eventually, as supportive tools in clinical practice.
Methods
This prospective cohort study included adults with migraine treated with anti-CGRP mAbs (anti-ligand and receptor) at two headache centers. Responders were defined as patients achieving ≥ 50% reduction in monthly headache days (MHDs) at 12 months. A logistic regression model was trained (80%) and tested (20%) using 11 baseline variables, including age, sex, migraine subtype, medication overuse, MHDs, and disability scores. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. A nomogram was created for future research and clinical application. The model was then validated against an external test cohort treated with anti-CGRP mAbs.
Results
Among 429 patients, 310 completed twelve months of treatment, with 236 (55.0%) classified as responders. The external test set included 109 patients. The ML model achieved an overall average weighted F1-score of 70.5% between the two test sets, with good performance in identifying “responders” (precision: 0.75, recall: 0.84, F1-score: 0.79). The model yielded predictions with an overall accuracy of 74% when tested against an external test cohort. Chronic migraine status, older age, and lower baseline MHDs were associated with higher response likelihood. Medication overuse and frequent analgesic use were negatively associated with response. The nomogram provided a clinically interpretable tool to estimate response probability, providing a total score named “CGRP Score” (
C
GRP mAbs
G
lobal
R
esponse
P
rediction).
Conclusion
This ML-based predictive score achieved a good performance in identifying responders to anti-CGRP mAbs. The nomogram has the potential to be a practical, user-friendly tool for supporting clinical decision-making after validation.
Metrics
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Details
- Title
- A nomogram for the prediction of response to anti-CGRP mAbs: the CGRP score
- Creators
- Marina Romozzi - Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreAmmar Lokhandwala - Drexel UniversityCatello Vollono - Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreDavid García-Azorín - Hospital Universitario Río HortegaGiulia Vigani - University of FlorenceFrancesco De Cesaris - University of FlorenceClaudia Altamura - Università Campus Bio-MedicoFabrizio Vernieri - Università Campus Bio-MedicoPaolo Calabresi - Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreSonia Di Tella - Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreLuigi Francesco Iannone - University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
- Publication Details
- Journal of headache and pain, v 26(1), 190
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Medicine
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001564716900003
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105014922646
- Other Identifier
- 991022200099104721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Neurosciences