| [ Summary ] |
From a therapeutic viewpoint, prolonging the time between a clinical remission and a subsequent relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is a major clinical achievement. To reach this goal, selection of appropriate and effective medications for maintenance therapy is a key to successful trearment. Common agents for maintenance therapy have included mesalazine, thiopurine derivatives, and more recently, anti-TNF-α biologics, which have exhibited efficacy in clinical settings. In addition, another issue which warrants high-priority consideration is the increased risk of colon cancer during periods of prolonged active UC, which adds further strength to the importance of extending remission times. Keeping this information in mind, long term medication with mesalazine should be used to suppress mucosal inflammation and minimize the risk of colon cancer. |