| Theme |
Therapeutic strategy for Crohn's disease -- Should mucosal healing be a final goal? |
| Title |
Effect of immunomodulators on Crohn's disease |
| Author |
Hiroshi Nakase |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University |
| Author |
Minoru Matsuura |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University |
| Author |
Tsutomu Chiba |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University |
| [ Summary ] |
The effects of the thiopurine drugs such as azathioprine and mercaptopurine and tacrolimus on Crohn's disease (CD) are described. The advent of infliximab and other monoclonal antibody targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents has dramatically changed our concept of how to treat patients with CD. One current problem is how to treat patients with CD refractory to anti-TNF-α antibodies. In the era of biologics for treatment of CD, we should remind gastroenterologists of the effects of optimized use of thiopurines in providing long-term remission for patients with CD. The optimized use of immunomodulators, with or without anti-TNF-α antibodies, may contribute to improvements in quality of life for patients with CD. |