MicroRNA Profiling in Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

Genetic alterations are well known to be related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Some miRNA expression dysregulations have previously been described in the context of cancer development including thyroid carcinoma. In our study, we performed original molecular diagnostics on tissue samples related to our own patients. We aimed to identify all dysregulated miRNAs in potential association with PTC development via sequencing much higher numbers of control-matched PTC tissue samples and analyzing a wider variety of miRNA types than previous studies. We analyzed the expression levels of 2656 different human miRNAs in the context of 236 thyroid tissue samples (118 tumor and control pairs) related to anonymized PTC cases. Also, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and GO framework analysis were used to establish the links between miRNA dysregulation and certain biological processes, pathways of signaling, molecular functions, and cellular components. A total of 30 significant differential miRNA expressions with at least ±1 log2 fold change were found related to PTC including, e.g., miR-551b, miR-146b, miR-221, miR-222, and miR-375, among others, being highly upregulated, as well as miR-873 and miR-204 being downregulated. In addition, we identified miRNA patterns in vast databases (KEGG and GO) closely similar to that of PTC including, e.g., miRNA patterns of prostate cancer, HTLV infection, HIF-1 signaling, cellular responses to growth factor stimulus and organic substance, and negative regulation of gene expression. We also found 352 potential associations between certain miRNA expressions and states of clinicopathological variables. Our findings-supported by the largest case number of original matched-control PTC-miRNA relation research-suggest a distinct miRNA expression profile in PTC that could contribute to a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms promoting the pathogenesis of the disease. Moreover, significant miRNA expression deviations and their signaling pathways in PTC presented in our study may serve as potential biomarkers for PTC diagnosis and prognosis or even therapeutic targets in the future.

Improving access to inflammatory bowel disease care in Canada: The patient experience.

OBJECTIVES: Canada has one of the highest age-adjusted incidence and prevalence rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Large patient volumes and limited resources have created challenges concerning the quality of IBD care, but little is known about patients' experiences. This paper aimed to better understand patient-perceived barriers to IBD care. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative approach was used for this study. Fourteen focus groups (with 63 total participants) were co-facilitated by a researcher and patient research partner across eight Canadian provinces in 2018. Patients diagnosed with IBD (>18 years of age) and their caregivers were purposefully recruited through Crohn's and Colitis Canada, gastroenterology clinics and communities, and national social media campaigns. Focus group sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Most participants self-identified as being white and women. The analysis generated four key themes regarding patient-perceived barriers and gaps in access to IBD care: (1) gatekeepers and their lack of IBD knowledge, (2) expenses and time, (3) lack of holistic care, and (4) care that is not patient-centered. An additional four themes were generated on the topic of patient-perceived areas of health system improvement for IBD care: (1) direct access to care, (2) good care providers, (3) electronic records and passports, and (4) multidisciplinary care or an 'IBD dream team'. CONCLUSIONS: This research contributes to the limited global knowledge on patients' experiences accessing IBD care. It is valuable for the development of care plans and policies to target gaps in care. Patients have identified system-level barriers and ideas for improvement, which should be taken into consideration when implementing system redesign and policy change.

The added value of the cognition, dining, gastrointestinal problems, sleep and tiredness bolt-on dimensions to the EQ-5D-5L in patients with coeliac disease.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple studies suggest that the EQ-5D may overestimate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with coeliac disease (CD). We aimed to develop and psychometrically test potentially relevant bolt-on dimensions to improve the measurement performance of the EQ-5D-5L in CD patients. METHODS: The development and selection of bolt-ons were informed by a literature review on HRQoL in CD, expert and patient input. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted amongst 312 adult CD patients. Respondents completed the EQ-5D-5L, two condition-specific bolt-ons newly-developed for the present study [dining (DI) and gastrointestinal problems (GI)] and three existing bolt-ons [cognition (CO), sleep (SL) and tiredness (TI)]. The following psychometric properties were tested: ceiling, informativity, convergent and known-group validity, and dimensionality (confirmatory factor analysis). RESULTS: Adding the TI, SL, GI, DI and CO individual bolt-ons reduced the ceiling of the EQ-5D-5L (39%) to 17%, 23%, 24%, 26% and 37%, respectively. GI excelled with strong convergent validity with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale total score (rs=0.71) and improved the discriminatory power for all known-groups. GI was the only bolt-on loading on a different factor from the five core dimensions, whereas the other four bolt-ons loaded onto the same 'psychosocial health' factor as the EQ-5D-5L anxiety/depression dimension. CONCLUSION: The DI, GI, SL and TI bolt-ons, especially the GI, enhance the validity of EQ-5D-5L in patients with CD, suggesting their value in capturing important HRQoL aspects potentially missed by the five core dimensions. These bolt-ons can be used in sensitivity analyses supporting health technology assessments and subsequent resource allocation decisions.

The potential for medical therapies to address fistulizing Crohn's disease: a state-of-the-art review.

INTRODUCTION: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, relapsing immune mediated disease, which is one of the two major types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fistulizing CD poses a significant clinical challenge for physicians. Effective management of CD requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving a gastroenterologist and a GI surgeon while tailoring treatment to each patient's unique risk factors, clinical representations, and preferences. AREAS COVERED: This comprehensive review explores the intricacies of fistulizing CD including its manifestations, types, impact on quality of life, management strategies, and novel therapies under investigation. EXPERT OPINION: Antibiotics are often used as first-line therapy to treat symptoms. Biologics that selectively target TNF-α, such infliximab (IFX), have shown high efficacy in randomized controlled trials. However, more than 50% of patients lose response to IFX, prompting them to explore alternative strategies. Current options include adalimumab and certolizumab pegol combination therapies, as well as small-molecule drugs targeting Janus kinases such as Upadacitinib. Furthermore, a promising treatment for complex fistulas is mesenchymal stem cells such as Darvadstrocel (Alofisel), an allogeneic stem cell-based therapy. However, surgical interventions are necessary for complex cases or intra-abdominal complications. Setons and LIFT procedures are the most common surgical options.

Examination of certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukins 1A and 1B in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw - An ambirectional cohort study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine particular single-nucleotide polymorphisms (IL-1A-889 C/T - rs1800587, IL-1B +3953 C/T - rs 1143634) of interleukins 1A and 1B in the development and prognosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DentiGen Parodontitis Tests were applied for collecting samples. This test is suitable for sampling oral mucosa cells in order to detect interleukins 1A and 1B single nucleotide polymorphisms (IL-1A-889, IL-1B+3953). Genetic samples were evaluated in the Istenhegyi Genediagnostic Center using the DNA-hybridization method. Genetic samples were collected in the patient group and the control group. The role of gene polymorphisms in the development of the disease was investigated by comparing the genetic results for the patient and control groups. The investigation of gene polymorphisms in disease prognosis is based on stage improvement, recovery, and relapses following treatment. RESULTS: In total, 91 patients with MRONJ and 59 healthy controls were included in the study. 51 patients in the patient group and 37 controls had unfavorable allelic variants. No association (Mp = 1.42, SDp = 0.496, Mc = 1.35, SDc = 0.482, p = 0.52) was found between unfavorable polymorphisms and the development of the MRONJ. In the patient group, surgical therapy was required in 79 cases. Stage improvement was detected in 78 cases, recovery in 67 cases, and relapse in 33 cases. No stage improvement was found in one case, recovery in nine cases, or relapse in 34 cases. Of the 79 patients requiring surgical therapy, 49 had unfavorable allelic variants. No connection was found between the polymorphisms examined and stage improvement (Mp = 1.37, SDp = 0.486, Mnp = 2, SDnp = -, p = 0.800) or recovery (Mp = 1.39, SDp = 0.491, Mnp = 1.44, SDnp = 0.527, p = 0.990). However, a significant association (Mp = 1.21, SDp = 0.415, Mnp = 1.58, SDnp = 0.502, p < 0.001) was found between relapses and the presence of unfavorable allelic variants. CONCLUSION: Within the possible limitations of this study, it can be assumed that the analysis of certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin-1 may have the potential to help define the risk stratification of MRONJ after surgical therapy.

Efficacy of Vonoprazan vs. Intravenous Proton Pump Inhibitor in Prevention of Re-Bleeding of High-Risk Peptic Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

Background: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is well-established for its effectiveness in reducing re-bleeding in high-risk peptic ulcer patients following endoscopic hemostasis. Vonoprazan (VPZ) has demonstrated the capacity to achieve gastric pH levels exceeding 4, comparable to PPIs. This study aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy of intravenous PPI infusion versus VPZ in preventing re-bleeding after endoscopic hemostasis in patients with high-risk peptic ulcers. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, controlled, and double-dummy design was employed. Patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (Forrest class IA/IB or IIA/IIB) who underwent endoscopic hemostasis were randomly assigned to either the PPI group or the VPZ group. Re-bleeding rates at 3, 7, and 30 days, the number of blood transfusions required, length of hospitalization, and ulcer healing rate at 56 days were assessed. Results: A total of 44 eligible patients were enrolled, including 20 patients (PPI group, n = 11; VPZ group, n = 9) with high-risk peptic ulcers. The mean age was 66 years, with 70% being male. Re-bleeding within 72 h occurred in 9.1% of the PPI group versus 0% in the VPZ group (p = 1.000). There was no significant difference in re-bleeding rates within 7 days and 30 days (18.2% vs. 11.1%, p = 1.000). Additionally, the ulcer healing rate did not significantly differ between the groups (87.5% vs. 77.8%). Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates comparable efficacy between oral vonoprazan and continuous PPI infusion in preventing recurrent bleeding events among high-risk peptic ulcer patients following successful endoscopic hemostasis.

How close are we to a success stratification tool for improving biological therapy in ulcerative colitis?

INTRODUCTION: Biological therapies have become the standard treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). However, clinical remission rates post-induction therapy remain modest at 40-50%, with many initial responders losing response over time. Current treatment strategies frequently rely on a 'trial and error' approach, leading to prolonged periods of ineffective and costly therapies for patients, accompanied by associated treatment complications. AREA COVERED: This review discusses current evidence on risk stratification tools for predicting therapeutic efficacy and minimizing adverse events in UC management. Recent studies have identified predictive factors for biologic therapy response. In the context of personalized medicine, the goal is to identify patients at high risk of progression and complications, as well as those likely to respond to specific therapies. Essential risk stratification tools include clinical decision-making aids, biomarkers, genomics, multi-omics factors, endoscopic, imaging, and histological assessments. EXPERT OPINION: Employing risk stratification tools to predict therapeutic response and prevent treatment-related complications is essential for precision medicine in the biological management of UC. These tools are necessary to select the most suitable treatment for each individual patient, thereby enhancing efficacy and safety.

Efficacy, drug sustainability, and safety of ustekinumab treatment in Crohn's disease patients over three years.

Long-term data on ustekinumab in real-life Crohn's disease patients are still missing, though randomized controlled trials demonstrated it as a favorable therapeutic option. We aimed to evaluate ustekinumab's clinical efficacy, drug sustainability, and safety in a prospective, nationwide, multicenter Crohn's disease patient cohort with a three-year follow-up. Crohn's disease patients on ustekinumab treatment were consecutively enrolled from 9 Hungarian Inflammatory Bowel Disease centers between January 2019 and May 2020. Patient and disease characteristics, treatment history, clinical disease activity (Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI)), biomarkers, and endoscopic activity (Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (SES-CD)) were collected for three-years' time. A total of 148 patients were included with an overall 48.9% of complex behavior of the Crohn's disease and 97.2% of previous anti-TNF exposure. The pre-induction remission rates were 12.2% (HBI), and 5.1% (SES-CD). Clinical remission rates (HBI) were 52.2%, 55.6%, and 50.9%, whereas criteria of an endoscopic remission were fulfilled in 14.3%, 27.5%, and 35.3% of the subjects at the end of the first, second, and third year, respectively. Dose intensification was high with 84.0% of the patients on an 8-weekly and 29.9% on a 4-weekly regimen at the end of year 3. Drug sustainability was 76.9% during the follow-up period with no serious adverse events observed. Ustekinumab in the long-term is an effective, sustainable, and safe therapeutic option for Crohn's disease patients with severe disease phenotype and high previous anti-TNF biological failure, requiring frequent dose intensifications.

Serrated Polyps in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Indicate a Similar Risk of Metachronous Colorectal Neoplasia as in the General Population.

BACKGROUND: The risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia after diagnosing serrated polyps in patients with IBD is poorly understood. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted between 2010 and 2019 at three tertiary centers in Montreal, Canada. From pathology databases, we identified 1587 consecutive patients with serrated polyps (sessile serrated lesion, traditional serrated adenoma, or serrated epithelial change). We included patients aged 45-74 and excluded patients with polyposis, colorectal cancer, or no follow-up. The primary outcome was the risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia (advanced adenoma, advanced serrated lesion, or colorectal cancer) after index serrated polyp, comparing patients with and without IBD. RESULTS: 477 patients with serrated polyps were eligible (mean age 61 years): 37 with IBD, totaling 45 serrated polyps and 440 without IBD, totaling 586 serrated polyps. The median follow-up was 3.4 years. There was no difference in metachronous advanced neoplasia (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.32-1.84), metachronous advanced adenoma (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.11-2.67), and metachronous advanced serrated lesion (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.26-2.18) risk. When comparing serrated polyps in mucosa involved or uninvolved with IBD, both groups had similar intervals from IBD to serrated polyp diagnosis (p > 0.05), maximal therapies (p > 0.05), mucosal inflammation, inflammatory markers, and fecal calprotectin (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia after serrated polyp detection was similar in patients with and without IBD. Serrated polyps in IBD occurred independently of inflammation. This helps inform surveillance intervals for patients with IBD diagnosed with serrated polyps.

Analysis of SIRT1 Gene SNPs and Clinical Characteristics in Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.

Certain genetic factors, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SIRT1 gene, have been linked to medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This study examined four SNPs in the SIRT1 gene and implemented multivariate statistical analysis to analyze genetic and clinical factors in MRONJ patients. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples of 63 patients of European origin treated for MRONJ, and four SNP genotypes in the gene encoding the SIRT-1 protein were determined by Sanger sequencing. The allele frequencies measured in the MRONJ population were compared with allele frequencies measured in the European population in the National Center for Biotechnology Information Allele Frequency Aggregator (NCBI ALFA) database. Genetic and clinical factors were examined with multivariate statistical analysis. A C:A allele distribution ratio of 77.8:22.2 was measured in the rs932658 SNP. In the ALFA project, a C:A allele distribution ratio of 59.9:40.1 was detected in the European population, which was found to be a significant difference (p = 4.5 × 10-5). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation (0.275) between the genotype of SNP rs932658 and the number of stages improved during appropriate MRONJ therapy. It is concluded that allele A in SNP rs932658 in the SIRT1 gene acts as a protective factor in MRONJ.

Screening of premature ovarian insufficiency associated genes in Hungarian patients with next generation sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Premature ovarian insuffiency (POI) is one of the main cause behind infertility. The genetic analysis of POI should be part of the clinical diagnostics, as several genes have been implicated in the genetic background of it. The aim of our study was to analyse the genetic background of POI in a Hungarian cohort. METHODS: The age of onset was between 15 and 39 years. All patients had the 46,XX karyotype and they were prescreened for the most frequent POI associated FMR1 premutation. To identify genetic alterations next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 31 genes which were previously associated to POI were carried out in 48 unrelated patients from Hungary. RESULTS: Monogenic defect was identified in 16.7% (8 of 48) and a potential genetic risk factor was found in 29.2% (14 of 48) and susceptible oligogenic effect was described in 12.5% (6 of 48) of women with POI using the customized targeted panel sequencing. The genetic analysis identified 8 heterozygous damaging and 4 potentially damaging variants in POI-associated genes. Further 10 potential genetic risk factors were detected in seven genes, from which EIF2B and GALT were the most frequent. These variants were related to 15 genes: AIRE, ATM, DACH2, DAZL, EIF2B2, EIF2B4, FMR1, GALT, GDF9, HS6ST2, LHCGR, NOBOX, POLG, USP9X and XPNPEP2. In six cases, two or three coexisting damaging mutations and risk variants were identified. CONCLUSIONS: POI is characterized by heterogenous phenotypic features with complex genetic background that contains increasing number of genes. Deleterious variants, which were detected in our cohort, related to gonadal development (oogenesis and folliculogenesis), meiosis and DNA repair, hormonal signaling, immune function, and metabolism which were previously associated with the POI phenotype. This is the first genetic epidemiology study targeting POI associated genes in Hungary. The frequency of variants in different POI associated genes were similar to the literature, except EIF2B and GALT. Both of these genes potential risk factor were detected which could influence the phenotype, although it is unlikely that they can be responsible for the development of the disease by themselves. Advances of sequencing technologies make it possible to aid diagnostics of POI Since individual patients show high phenotypic variance because of the complex network controlling human folliculogenesis. Comprehensive NGS screening by widening the scope to genes which were previously linked to infertility may facilitate more accurate, quicker and cheaper genetic diagnoses for POI. The investigation of patient's genotype could support clinical decision-making process and pave the way for future clinical trials and therapies.

Burden of Mental Health among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease-A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary IBD Center in Hungary.

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic conditions that negatively affect the patient's quality of life. With the spread of the biopsychosocial model, the role of mental health in the activity and course of inflammatory bowel disease is becoming more and more recognized. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression in IBD patients in our tertiary referral center and determine the predictive factors of these mental conditions. Methods: A total of 117 patients were included consecutively between 1 December 2021 and 28 February 2022. We used a questionnaire to gather demographic information, disease course, and IBD-specific symptoms. We assessed anxiety symptoms using the GAD-7 and depressive complaints using the PHQ-9 questionnaire. We evaluated disease activity using CDAI and pMayo scores. Results: Of the 117 patients (male/female: 63/54), 88 suffered from Crohn's disease, and 29 were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Only 6 patients were taking medication for mood disorders, and 38 individuals sought mental support during their lifetime. A total of 15% of the population suffered from moderate-severe anxiety disorder, and 22% were affected by moderate-severe depression. The GAD-7 and PHQ9 values showed a significant correlation between the number of stools, bloody stools, abdominal pain, number of flare-ups, and CDAI scores. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that there is a high incidence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among IBD patients. Our results highlighted the symptoms that could be associated with mental disorders. It is important to assess the mental status of IBD patients to improve their quality of life.

Accuracy of the Pancolonic Modified Mayo Score in predicting the long-term outcomes of ulcerative colitis: a promising scoring system.

Background: Different endoscopic scoring systems for assessing ulcerative colitis (UC) severity are available. However, most of them are not correlated with disease extent. Objectives: Our study aimed to compare the predictive value of the PanMay score versus the endoscopic Mayo (MES), Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS), and Dublin score in predicting long-term outcomes of UC. Design: This retrospective study enrolled consecutive UC patients who underwent colonoscopy before at least a 3-year follow-up. Methods: The PanMayo, MES, UCEIS, and Dublin scores and the baseline clinical and demographic characteristics of the participants were assessed. Endpoints were disease flare that required novel biological therapy, colectomy, and hospitalization. Patients were stratified using baseline clinical activity. Results: Approximately 62.8% of the 250 enrolled patients were in clinical remission. In these patients, the PanMayo, MES, and Dublin scores were positively associated with the risk of clinical flare. The MES score increased with clinical flare. The PanMayo score (>12 points), but not the MES score, was associated with the need for novel biological initiation and biological escalation. Furthermore, the Dublin and UCEIS scores of patients in remission who need novel biological treatment had a similar trend. Colectomy risk was associated with PanMayo and Dublin scores. Conclusion: The combined endoscopic assessment of disease extent and severity can be more accurate in predicting outcomes among patients with UC. PanMayo score can be utilized in addition to the existing scoring systems, thereby leading to a more accurate examination. Summary: UC endoscopic scores do not assess extension. Our study aimed to analyze the predictive value of the PanMayo score. Based on 250 patients, results showed that the long-term disease outcomes of UC could be predicted with the PanMayo score more accurately.

Genetic Factors Associated with the Development of Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes.

Neuropathy is a serious and frequent complication of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study was carried out to search for genetic factors associated with the development of diabetic neuropathy by whole exome sequencing. For this study, 24 patients with long-term type 2 diabetes with neuropathy and 24 without underwent detailed neurological assessment and whole exome sequencing. Cardiovascular autonomic function was evaluated by cardiovascular reflex tests. Heart rate variability was measured by the triangle index. Sensory nerve function was estimated by Neurometer and Medoc devices. Neuropathic symptoms were characterized by the neuropathy total symptom score (NTSS). Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on a Thermo Ion GeneStudio S5 system determining the coding sequences of approximately 32,000 genes comprising 50 million base pairs. Variants were detected by Ion Reporter software and annotated using ANNOVAR, integrating database information from dbSNP, ClinVar, gnomAD, and OMIM. Integrative genomics viewer (IGV) was used for visualization of the mapped reads. We have identified genetic variants that were significantly associated with increased (22-49-fold) risk of neuropathy (rs2032930 and rs2032931 of recQ-mediated genome instability protein 2 (RMI2) gene), rs604349 of myosin binding protein H like (MYBPHL) gene and with reduced (0.07-0.08-fold) risk (rs917778 of multivesicular body subunit 12B (MVB12B) and rs2234753 of retinoic acid X receptor alpha (RXRA) genes). The rs2032930 showed a significant correlation with current perception thresholds measured at 5 Hz and 250 Hz for n. medianus (p = 0.042 and p = 0.003, respectively) and at 5 Hz for n. peroneus (p = 0.037), as well as the deep breath test (p = 0.022) and the NTSS (p = 0.023). The rs2032931 was associated with current perception thresholds (p = 0.003 and p = 0.037, respectively), deep breath test (p = 0.022), and NTSS (p = 0.023). The rs604349 correlated with values measured at 2000 (p = 0.049), 250 (p = 0.018), and 5 Hz (p = 0.005) for n. medianus, as well as warm perception threshold measured by Medoc device (p = 0.042). The rs2234753 showed correlations with a current perception threshold measured at 2000 Hz for n. medianus (p = 0.020), deep breath test (p = 0.040), and NTSS (p = 0.003). There was a significant relationship between rs91778 and cold perception threshold (p = 0.013). In our study, genetic variants have been identified that may have an impact on the risk of neuropathy developing in type 2 diabetic patients. These results could open up new opportunities for early preventive measures and might provide targets for new drug developments in the future.

Current Evidence for Combined Targeted Therapy for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Biologicals and small molecules have revolutionized the medical management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), yet they are only effective in a proportion of patients, and their impact on changing the natural history of the disease is still debatable. Recently, the concept of combining targeted biologics and small-molecule therapies has been introduced to the treatment of IBD. Dual-targeted therapy (sequential and combined), which is the combination of two targeted therapies, might be a reasonable choice for patients to break through the therapeutic ceiling. A recent randomized clinical trial (VEGA) provided the first controlled evidence that the short-term combination of two biological agents may lead to superior disease control than either of the agents alone in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) without jeopardizing safety. Multiple studies are underway in both Crohn's disease and UC. Additionally, real-world evidence is accumulating in IBD patients receiving combination therapies with concomitant IBD and extraintestinal manifestations or in patients with medically refractory IBD. Of note, the majority of these patients were exposed to multiple biological agents earlier and lost response to at least one of the agents in the combination. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding this attractive novel therapeutic option in IBD. Clearly, more controlled data are needed to evaluate optimal timing, efficacy, and mitigation of safety concerns.

Novel and emerging drugs for the treatment of Crohn's disease: a review of phase II and III trials.

INTRODUCTION: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by unpredictable flare-ups and periods of remission. While several therapeutic options, such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF), anti-integrin, and interleukin (IL) 12/23 inhibitors, as well as IL-23 and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, have been approved for CD treatment, a substantial number of patients fail to respond adequately or experience a loss of response over time. In recent years, the scientific community has been actively investigating novel agents to address these challenges and improve the management of CD. AREAS COVERED: This comprehensive narrative review provides an overview of recent developments in CD treatment, summarizing phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trial data. We delve into the clinical efficacy and safety profiles of emerging therapies, encompassing JAK inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, anti-adhesion molecules, S1P1 receptor modulators, and combined targeted treatments. EXPERT OPINION: The armamentarium of CD therapeutic agents is constantly expanding. We analyze pivotal findings from phase 2 and phase 3 CD treatment trials. We also underscore the existing gaps in therapy and the paramount role of ongoing research and innovation in CD management.

Clinical efficacy and nocebo effect following non-medical biosimilar switch in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate clinical efficacy, biomarker activity, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), adverse events (AEs), and nocebo effect in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients who underwent non-medical biosimilar switching. METHODS: A prospective observational study of consecutive IBD patients who underwent biosimilar switch. Disease activity, biomarkers, TDM, and AEs, including the nocebo effect were captured 8 weeks before switch, at the time of switch (baseline),12 and 24 weeks after the switch. RESULTS: 210 patients were included [81.4% had Crohn's disease (CD), the median age at inclusion: 42 years (IQR 29-61)]. There was no significant difference in the rates of clinical remission at week 8 before switch, baseline, week12, and 24 after switch: 89.0%,93.4%,86.3%,and 90.8%,p = 0.129. The biomarker remission rates were not significantly different; CRP:81.3%,74.7%,81.2%,73.0%,p = 0.343; fecal calprotectin: 78.3%,74.5%,71.7%,76.3%,p = 0.829. The rates of maintaining therapeutic levels (84.7%,83.9%,83.0%,85.3%,p = 0.597) and prevalence of positive anti-drug antibodies remained unchanged. Drug persistence at 12 week of switch was 97.1%, regardless of disease phenotype and originator. The nocebo effect was observed in 13.3%. The discontinuation rate was 4.8%. CONCLUSION: Despite a significant number of early nocebo complaints within the first 6 months after the biosimilar switch, no significant changes were found in clinical efficacy, biomarkers, therapeutic drug level, or anti-drug antibodies.