A User's Guide to De-escalating Immunomodulator and Biologic Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

De-escalation of immunomodulators and biologic agents in inflammatory bowel disease is frequently discussed with patients and must weigh the risk of continued medical therapy with the risk of disease recurrence. Risk factors for disease flare after withdrawal of inflammatory bowel disease medications such as disease activity at de-escalation, disease prognostic features, and prior course of disease have been identified predominately in retrospective studies, allowing for risk stratification of patients. This review evaluates the published literature regarding therapeutic de-escalation and provides a framework for physicians to apply this to clinical practice. Prospective trials are underway and planned, which should provide further insight into this treatment paradigm and better inform patient selection for this strategy.

Keywords: Cessation; Crohn's Disease; Deescalation; Treatment Discontinuation; Ulcerative Colitis; Withdrawal.