Theme |
Novel therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis |
Title |
Current status of cytapheresis for ulcerative colitis |
Author |
Kouji Kamikozuru |
Division of Lower Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine |
Author |
Shiro Nakamura |
Division of Lower Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine |
[ Summary ] |
Recently, therapies have advanced for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). These therapies include anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies (biologics) and immunomodulators. However, we have treated refractory UC by employing cytapheresis (CAP) since 2000. Intensive treatment with CAP has been considered an established treatment option since 2010. The primary factors for use of CAP are its safety and effectiveness. Positioning of CAP therapy against refractory UC is discussed. |