Is there any place for the chimeric antibody against tumor necrosis factor (infliximab) in the treatment of patients with active ulcerative colitis?

Abstract

SUMMARY
We attempt to summarize the current aspects concerning
the role of the chimeric antibody against tumor necrosis
factor-alpha (Infliximab Remicade) in patients with active
ulcerative colitis. Experimental and clinical data suggest
that, apart from Crohns disease, tumor necrosis factor also
plays quite an important role in the pathogenesis of
ulcerative colitis as well. So far, there are limited data on
the use of infliximab in animal models of ulcerative colitis
and in patients with ulcerative and indeterminate colitis
and pouchitis. Although the existing clinical, endoscopic
and laboratory evidence for the efficacy of infliximab in the
treatment of ulcerative colitis are controversial, we can
support the assumption that a proportion of patients may
benefit from this treatment. In addition, treatment with
infliximab appeared to be well-tolerated at the doses
studied. Further, ongoing, controlled studies are investigating
the potential efficacy and safety of infliximab in
patients with active ulcerative colitis.
Key words: Infliximab, Remicade, Ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory
bowel disease
Department of Gastroenterology Saint Panteleimon General Hospital
Nicea, Greece
Author for correspondence:
John K. Triantafillidis, 8, Kerasountos street,
12461, Haidari, Athens, Greece,
Tel: Greece-210-5819481, Fax: Greece-210-5810970,
e-mail: jkt@panafonet.gr