| Theme |
An up-to-date review of the molecular-targeted therapies for inflammatory bowel disease |
| Title |
Biologics and treat-to-target (T2T) strategy |
| Author |
Hisashi Shiga |
Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Izuru Abe |
Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yusuke Shimoyama |
Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Rintaro Moroi |
Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Masatake Kuroha |
Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yoichi Kakuta |
Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Atsushi Masamune |
Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
The treat-to-target (T2T) strategy is becoming popular in the field of inflammatory bowel disease. It is a therapeutic strategy that aims to improve long-term prognosis by setting a therapeutic target and implementing strict disease management. The emergence of biologics has greatly contributed to the implementation of the T2T strategy. Currently, endoscopic remission is considered the optimal target, and the definition of endoscopic remission has become more stringent. The T2T strategy consists of the following steps towards the target: identification of risk factors for poor prognosis, early therapeutic intervention, regular monitoring of disease activity, and optimization of therapy based on the results of monitoring. Biomarkers such as fecal calprotectin are also attracting attention as alternatives to endoscopic assessment of activity; however, these are just alternatives and disease activity should be evaluated using endoscopy when necessary. |