Opinion
Video
Safety of Anti-CD20 Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis
Author(s):
Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, Riley Bove, MD, Stephen Krieger, MD, and Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD, discuss emerging the practical implications of long-term data for anti-CD20 agents.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD; Riley Bove, MD; Stephen Krieger, MD; and Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD.
The conversation centers on concerns about the long-term use of CD20-targeting medications in treating various conditions. The speaker addresses these worries by referencing recent long-term data from phase 3 trials involving over 6,000 patients over ten years. This data indicates a minimal risk profile associated with CD20 monoclonal antibodies, including a low incidence of severe hypogammaglobulinemia and a slight increase in infection risk compared to control groups.
Despite the reassuring population-level findings, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance and monitoring for rare adverse events such as late-onset neutropenia and autoimmune colitis. Additionally, emerging concerns regarding gynecologic health, including cervical dysplasia and vaginal health issues, are discussed. The speaker stresses the need for direct communication with patients to ensure comprehensive understanding and reporting of potential side effects, empowering them to participate actively in their treatment decisions and allowing for tailored approaches to address any issues that may arise. This approach aims to optimize treatment safety and efficacy while maintaining open dialogue and trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by NeurologyLive editorial staff.
