| Theme | The frontline of Crohn's disease treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Therapeutic drug monitoring in anti-TNF-α agents | |
| Publish Date | 2016/03 | |
| Author | Ryota Hokari | Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College |
| Author | Kenichi Yoshikawa | Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College |
| Author | Chikako Watanabe | Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College |
| Author | Shunsuke Komoto | Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College |
| Author | Masaaki Higashiyama | Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College |
| Author | Soichiro Miura | National Defense Medical College |
| [ Summary ] | Treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antibodies is recognized as a very efficient treatment for Crohn's disease (CD). Despite its proven efficacy, certain percentage of patients with an initial positive response later requires dose escalation. Loss of response is closely related to a low trough serum level of anti-TNF-α antibodies. A low trough serum level might be due to presence of anti-drug antibodies or increased clearance of the drug. Usefulness of monitoring therapeutic drug levels has been discussed. | |