Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug effect of denosumab on radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review of the literature

The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural effect of denosumab on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We performed a systematic review of the literature in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. All studies evaluating the structural effect of denosumab on RA and meeting predefined criteria were included. Data regarding disease activity, progression of joint damage, joint space narrowing, and safety were recorded. Among 168 studies identified, only 4 were finally included in this review, involving a total of 687 patients. These 4 studies showed that denosumab is effective on joint damage at 6 and 12 months as compared to placebo, alendronate, and biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) alone. No effect was observed in terms of joint space narrowing, and DAS28 and HAQ scores remained unchanged. No case of osteonecrosis of the jaw or atypical fracture was recorded, and safety was similar in both denosumab and control groups. Denosumab appears to be effective on joint erosion at 6 and 12 months in patients with RA meeting the ACR criteria, treated or not by a biologic, with excellent safety.