Dental Adverse Effects of Anti-CD20 Therapies

Over the past few years, anti-CD20 therapies like rituximab, ocrelizumab or ofatumumab have seen an increase in interest in the treatment of neurological autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), or resistant forms of generalized myasthenia gravis (MG). They are generally well-tolerated, but recent reports have highlighted severe dental disorders in patients undergoing anti-CD20 therapies. The aim was to describe a series of cases and to compare with the available scientific literature.

We reviewed 6 patient cases with dental disorders during anti-CD20 therapy that were reported to the pharmacovigilance center. A disproportionality analysis was also conducted on Vigibase® for each anti-CD20 and each adverse effect described in the cases.

Six cases of dental and gingival conditions in relatively young patients were reported (median age: 40.5 years old [min: 34; max: 79]). Oral conditions were developed in four patients with MS treated with ocrelizumab and in two patients receiving rituximab (one patient with MG and one with NMOSD). The onset of oral conditions ranged from 10 days to 2 years after treatment initiation. Notably, all patients treated with ocrelizumab experienced gingival recession. Various dental pathologies were observed, including tooth loss, dental pain, caries, brittle teeth, dental fractures, dental abscesses, and periodontitis. Analysis of Vigibase® revealed 284 worldwide cases of dental and gingival conditions under ocrelizumab, 386 cases under rituximab, and 80 under ofatumumab. Significant associations were found between these therapies and dental pathologies, particularly tooth abscesses and infections.

To our knowledge, this is the first case series reporting dental conditions developed in patients long-term treated with anti-CD20 treatments. This issue, literature data, and Vigilyze® analysis might be considered a safety signal that necessitates being confirmed with more robust data, such as a retrospective study with a control group. Meanwhile, proactive measures are essential like frequent dental checkups and dental hygienic measures to prevent oral health problems associated with anti-CD20 therapies.