Current Approaches for Optimizing the Benefit of Biologic Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis

Overview

Journal Therap Adv Gastroenterol

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty Gastroenterology

Date 2016 Jul 2

PMID 27366223

Citations 7

Authors

M Anthony Sofia

David T Rubin

Affiliations

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Abstract

As biologic-based medication options for ulcerative colitis expand, our understanding of their optimal use in clinical practice is advancing as well. The appropriate use of combination therapy with immunomodulators can reduce the immunogenicity of biologic agents and raise serum drug levels of the biologic. A treat-to-target strategy with objective assessments of disease activity clearly defines the goals of biologic drug treatment. Mucosal healing is an evolving treatment goal and is associated with long-term remission and reduced incidence of colectomy. Furthermore, regular reassessments and therapeutic drug monitoring can allow clinicians to make evidence-based changes in therapy. Biologic drug de-escalation or re-initiation are less well developed topics, but are emerging areas of study. We review the evidence underlying these advances and a modern approach to the use of biologic therapy in ulcerative colitis.

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