Managing complex perianal disease after anti-TNF failure: Where to go next?

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects various intestinal segments and can involve the perianal region. Although anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents have revolutionized the management of Crohn's disease and improved the prognosis for patients with perianal Crohn's disease (pCD), their long-term effectiveness is limited: over 60% of patients relapse after one year of maintenance therapy. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the treatment of complex perianal fistulas after anti-TNF failure. Concomitant treatment with antibiotics and immunosuppressants improves the effectiveness of anti-TNF agents. Therapeutic drug monitoring and dose adjustment of anti-TNF therapy (targeting a higher trough level) might also improve treatment response. Novel therapeutic strategies might provide new opportunities for pCD management; for example, ustekinumab might be effective after anti-TNF treatment failure, although more studies are needed. As suggested in recent international guidelines, mesenchymal stem cell injection might be an effective, safe treatment for complex pCD.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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