Navigating Combination Therapy in IBD: from Rationale and Evidence To Practical Applications
摘要
Despite substantial progress with targeted therapies, a considerable proportion of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) fail to achieve durable remission, highlighting the need for innovative treatment strategies. This review explores the rationale, emerging clinical evidence, and real-world application of advanced combination therapy (ACT), which entails the simultaneous use of two biologics or a biologic combined with a small molecule that act on distinct immunological pathways.
Recent FindingsEmerging studies suggest ACT may improve clinical and endoscopic outcomes in patients with refractory or high-risk IBD, including those with extraintestinal manifestations. Observational data and randomized trials have demonstrated remission rates ranging from 30 to 50%, particularly in cohorts with prior treatment failure. Preliminary evidence also suggests that specific combinations, such as anti-IL-23 with anti-TNF or JAK inhibitors with anti-integrin agents, may enhance efficacy. However, increased immunosuppression poses safety concerns, including infections and immune-mediated events, necessitating careful patient selection and monitoring.
SummaryACT represents a promising strategy to overcome the therapeutic ceiling in IBD by modulating multiple inflammatory pathways. While the approach is supported by mechanistic rationale and early clinical experience, its integration into routine care requires further evidence from large-scale trials to optimize timing, duration, and safety.