Ocrelizumab reduces cortical and deep grey matter loss compared to the S1P-receptor modulator in multiple sclerosis

Introduction Ocrelizumab (OCR) and Fingolimod (FGL) are two high-efficacy treatments in multiple sclerosis which, besides their strong anti-inflammatory activity, may limit neurodegeneration. Aim To compare the effect of OCR and FGL on clinical and MRI endpoints. Methods 95 relapsing–remitting patients (57 OCR, 38 FGL) clinically followed for 36 months underwent a 3-Tesla MRI at baseline and after 24 months. The annualized relapse rate, EDSS, new cortical/white matter lesions and regional cortical and deep grey matter volume loss were evaluated. Results OCR reduced the relapse rate from 0.48 to 0.04, FGL from 0.32 to 0.05 (both p < 0.001). Compared to FGL, OCR-group experienced fewer new white matter lesions (12% vs 32%, p = 0.005), no differences in new cortical lesions, lower deep grey matter volume loss (− 0.12% vs − 0.66%; p = 0.002, Cohen’s d = 0.54), lower global cortical thickness change (− 0.45% vs − 0.70%; p = 0.036; d = 0.42) and reduced cortical thinning/volume loss in several regions of interests, including those of parietal gyrus ( d -range = 0.65–0.71), frontal gyrus ( d -range = 0.47–0.60), cingulate ( d -range = 0.41–0.72), insula ( d = 0.36), cerebellum (cortex d = 0.72, white matter d = 0.44), putamen ( d = 0.35) and thalamus ( d = 0.31). The effect on some regional thickness changes was confirmed in patients without focal lesions. Conclusions When compared with FGL, patients receiving OCR showed greater suppression of focal MRI lesions accumulation and lower cortical and deep grey matter volume loss.