Comparative efficacy of antitumor necrosis factor agents and tacrolimus in naïve steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis patients

While retrospective studies have compared the efficacy of anti–tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents and tacrolimus (TAC) in ulcerative colitis (UC), information regarding first-time use of these agents is limited. The aim of our study was to investigate the short- and long-term efficacy of anti-TNF agents [adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX)] and TAC in anti-TNF agent- and TAC-naïve steroid-refractory UC patients. We evaluated 150 steroid-refractory UC patients receiving anti-TNF agents (IFX: n = 30, ADA: n = 41) or TAC (n = 79) at eight institutions in Japan. Clinical response rates at 8 weeks were 73.2% and 75.9% while remission rates were 30.1% and 25.3% in the anti-TNF and TAC groups, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed the male sex and higher C-reactive protein to be independent factors for response to anti-TNF agents and TAC, respectively. Use of TAC was an independent factor for relapse. No differences in response to the treatment or relapse were observed between IFX and ADA. In conclusion, TAC and anti-TNF agents promoted similar short-term effects, but anti-TNF agents ensured better long-term outcomes at first-time treatment of steroid-refractory UC patients.

Tacrolimus induces short-term but not long-term clinical response in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor commonly used for prophylaxis of rejection in renal and liver transplantation. There are limited but favourable data regarding its possible use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in patients with IBD in clinical practice.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, multicentre study in 22 centres in Spain. All adult patients who received oral tacrolimus for luminal or perianal IBD were included. Clinical response was assessed by Harvey-Bradshaw index and partial Mayo score after 3 months. Perianal disease was evaluated by fistula drainage assessment.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-three patients were included (mean age 38 years; 51% male; median disease duration 110 months). In ulcerative colitis (UC) (n = 58), the partial Mayo score decreased after 3 months from median 6 to 3 (P = 0.0001), whereas in Crohn's disease (CD) (n = 85), the Harvey-Bradshaw index decreased after 3 months from median 9 to 7 (P = 0.011). In CD patients, blood tacrolimus concentrations during induction (>10 ng/mL vs <10 ng/mL; odds ratio 0.23, 95% CI 0.05-0.87) and the concomitant use of thiopurines (odds ratio 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.81) were associated with lower clinical disease activity at 3 months. Of 62 patients with perianal disease, complete closure was observed in 8% (n = 5) of patients with perianal fistulas, with 34% (n = 21) showing partial response. Treatment was maintained for a median of 6 months (IQR, 2-16). After a median clinical follow-up of 24 months (IQR, 15-57), the rate of treatment-related adverse events was 34%, correlating with blood drug concentrations (P = 0.021). Finally, 120 patients (84%) discontinued tacrolimus, usually due to absence or loss of response. Three patients (2%) were subsequently diagnosed with cancer. The overall rate of surgery was 39%, with a 33% colectomy rate in UC.

CONCLUSIONS

Tacrolimus shows a clinical benefit in both CD and UC after 3 months of treatment, but its long-term effectiveness and frequent adverse events remain relevant issues in clinical practice.