The landscape of Sjogren’s disease is expected to change drastically due to advances in technology and a better understanding of its pathophysiology. Additionally, several disease-modifying agents are currently in development, with the first dedicated treatment on the verge of approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
These emerging advancements bring a critical need for rheumatologists to refine how they identify patients. While studies suggest that the majority of the general population experiences dry eyes and dry mouth, only about 1% of these individuals have active autoimmune disease.
As the field of Sjogren’s disease evolves, questions regarding the risks and benefits of biopsies are becoming increasingly important. On Tuesday, November 10, from 8–9 a.m., in Room W415D of the Orange County Convention Center, Alan Baer, MD, FACP, MACR, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Jerome L. Greene Sjogren’s Syndrome Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Divi Cornec, MD, PhD, Professor of Rheumatology at Université de Bretagne Occidentale in Brest, France, will share their perspectives on the risks and benefits of lip biopsies for diagnosing patients with Sjogren’s disease during the session Great Debate: Diagnosing Sjogren’s Disease: Is Lip Biopsy Really Necessary? A recording of the debate will be available to registered participants of ACR Convergence 2026 for on-demand viewing.
“We shouldn’t use these new agents to treat dryness alone; we should use them to treat patients with Sjogren’s disease,” said Howard Yang, MD, RhMSUS. “Properly identifying these patients will be a major task for rheumatologists. We need to revisit how we identify patients with Sjogren’s disease and consider the classification criteria.”
Dr. Yang, Assistant Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine and Clinical Director and Quality Improvement Director of the UCLA Division of Rheumatology Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, as well as Chair of the ACR Communications and Marketing Committee, will moderate the session.
During the debate, attendees will have the opportunity to compare data and perspectives from leading experts from Europe and the United States. While European colleagues have predominantly led the scientific research on Sjogren’s disease, the United States can offer valuable data on diverse patient populations.
“European and Asian cohorts tend to be more uniform, while U.S. cohorts include multiple ethnic groups and can provide data that aren’t available elsewhere,” Dr. Yang said. “It will be fascinating to compare notes among European colleagues, APLAR, and ACR. Bringing knowledge together can help drive the field forward.”
The session will address misunderstandings and misconceptions about lip biopsy, including its limitations and complications. It will also explore other modalities, such as ultrasound, that may complement lip biopsy.
Additionally, presenters will discuss the current use of lip biopsies for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as their potential future applications.
“We have a lot of data showing that biopsy can help with diagnosis and prognosis,” Dr. Yang said. “We also need to discuss how to do it well, particularly since biopsy practices can differ between medical centers and community settings.”
The session will emphasize the importance of adopting a well-rounded approach when caring for patients with Sjogren’s disease. This involves considering blood tests and serology, lip biopsy, ultrasound, the physical exam, and patient input.
“My personal hope is that attendees leave thinking, ‘Every patient is different, and I need to consider the individual,’” Dr. Yang said. “Patients are complex, and their presentations vary. Don’t put them all in one basket. Think about what you’re trying to achieve for each patient.”
This will be one of three Great Debate sessions taking place at ACR Convergence. The Medical Education Great Debate will take place on Sunday, November 8, from 10:30–11:30 a.m., in Room W110A. Attendees can also look forward to the Pediatric Great Debate: Mamma Mia, Here We Dose Again: Use of Oral vs. Subcutaneous Methotrexate in Juvenile Arthritis on Monday, November 9, from 10–11 a.m., in Room W311A-D.
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If you haven’t registered for ACR Convergence 2026, register today to participate in this year’s premier rheumatology experience, November 6–11 in Orlando, Florida. All registered participants receive on-demand access to scientific sessions after the meeting through September 30, 2027.
