Current and Future Targets for Mucosal Healing in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

The induction and subsequent maintenance of mucosal healing has emerged as one of the central therapeutic goals in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Current and novel treatment options are assessed regarding their therapeutic efficacy on the basis of their ability to induce mucosal healing. However, there is still substantial debate about the precise definition of mucosal healing. Here, we will give an overview regarding the definitions of mucosal healing as well as its probable effects on long-term disease behavior and finally focus on current and potential therapeutic targets to achieve this therapeutic goal in IBD patients.

Keywords: Biologicals; Inflammatory bowel diseases; Mucosal healing; Oligonucleotides; Small molecules.

Fig. 1

Endoscopic images of a Crohn's disease patient a with mucosal ulcerations in the terminal ileum and b subsequent mucosal healing as defined by absence of ulcers and CDEIS scoring. Endoscopic images of an ulcerative colitis patient c with inflammation in the sigmoid and d subsequent mucosal healing as defined by absence of friability, blood, erosions, and ulcers as well as reduction of the endoscopic Mayo score.