LONG-TERM SAFETY OF THE (SEQUENTIAL) USE OF BIOLOGICAL THERAPIES IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are illnesses that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gut. To prevent the development of complications and to improve quality of life it is necessary to start treatment, which often includes biologic therapies or biologicals. The latter are designed to block specific pathways in our immune system to restore the dysbalance seen in disease state and due to the chronicity of IBD they need to be used throughout life. Yet, by blocking immune pathways biologicals can also cause adverse events. The aim of this project is to provide real-life data on the long-term safety of the sequential use of biologicals. We will specifically focus on the risk of developing serious infections and malignancies with the consecutive use of various biologicals and explore if this risk is higher compared to patients who are still on their first biological. In addition, we will further explore why a proportion of anti-TNF treated patients develops paradoxical psoriasiform skin lesions and how we can optimally treat these lesions. We will do this by comparing differences in underlying genes and gene expression profiles. Blood samples and skin biopsies will therefore be collected. By identifying genetic and/or immunologic markers that can predict these adverse events, this project will lead to more individualized therapies with maximum efficacy and minimum risks for patients. In addition, it will reduce health care costs and thus have an economic impact.

Jaar van publicatie:2021

Toegankelijkheid:Open