Biotherapies for the treatment of ulcerative colitis 8

Xavier Treton.
Abstract
The treatment of ulcerative colitis has evolved considerably since it must, for most patients, allow healing of inflammatory colonic lesions and no longer a simple remission of clinical symptoms. This is now possible thanks to biotherapies, of which three main classes are authorized in ulcerative colitis. Anti-TNFs, the oldest class, have proven their effectiveness and can be used as first-line treatment after failure of conventional treatments. Among them, only infliximab is recommended in severe acute colitis. Vedolizumab, anti-integrin, can also be used in first line with an excellent safety profile but no effect on extradigestive manifestations. The anti-interleukin 12/23 ustekinumab, soon joined by other antibodies specific for interleukin 23, is also very effective and its tolerance excellent, but is positioned after a failure of a first biologic. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, small oral molecules, with a very powerful action, but whose poor tolerance profile reserves them for young subjects, without comorbidity and generally after failure of two lines of biologics. All these treatments are currently available at home, by subcutaneous route, or orally for JAK inhibitors. This implies their good knowledge and the implementation of patient follow-up coordinated with all healthcare providers: gastroenterologists, general practitioners and IBD coordinating nurses.
June 2023
La revue du praticien n° Tome 73 / n° 9 PDF