Use of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factors and Anti-Integrins in the Treatment of Crohn’s Disease




In patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is efficacious for the induction and maintenance of clinical remission, mucosal healing, reducing rates of surgery and hospitalizations, and improving health-related quality of life. The decision between anti-TNFs and anti-integrins as first-line treatment in CD depends on disease severity, safety concerns, and prescription coverage. Given the existing data on long-term outcomes and safety, anti-TNFs are often preferred to anti-integrins. Additional clinical experience and preferably prospective, head-to-head studies will be important to determine whether vedolizumab should be considered more often for first-line therapy in CD.


Key points








  • Anti–tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) are effective in induction and maintenance of remission in patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (CD).



  • Anti-TNFs are effective in improving long-term outcomes (ie, rates of hospitalization, surgery, and health-related quality of life [HRQoL]) in patients with CD.



  • Anti-integrins are effective in induction and maintenance of remission in patients with CD.



  • There are limited data on long-term outcomes with the use of anti-integrins; however, some data suggest benefits in HRQoL.



  • Anti-TNFs are effective for fistula closure; currently there are limited data on the use of anti-integrins for this indication.


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Sep 5, 2017 | Posted by in GASTROENTEROLOGY | Comments Off on Use of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factors and Anti-Integrins in the Treatment of Crohn’s Disease

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