| [ Summary ] |
Recent advances in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease have been remarkable. As a result, we must now choose the most appropriate treatment from among the different treatment options. Because important factors in individual cases may be quite different, treatment should be selected with consideration of each patient's specific clinical condition. Anti-TNF-α antibody has been used in both induction and maintenance of remission, and has been shown to be highly effective. However, excessive use of anti-TNF-α antibody for Crohn's disease is anticipated in Japan. Here, I will explain that the main indication for anti-TNF-α is for the treatment of patients who are resistant to other existing therapies ; furthermore, I will discuss its careful use in everyday clinical practice for patients with infection. |