Use of the tumor necrosis factor-blockers for Crohn's disease

Table 38 Some of the important anti-tumor necrosis factor studies still to be reported

Direct head-to-head comparisons of various anti-TNFs

Further evidence that treating with anti-TNFs earlier after the diagnosis of CD is better

Further clarification of the role of using scheduled anti-TNF therapy without concomitant AZA/MTX

Head-to-head trials comparing the effectiveness of IFX, ADA, and CER peg with conventional therapy in refractory CD (other than newly diagnosed and treatment naive patients)

Long-term safety

Evidence for efficacy of switch from ADA → IFX for ADA secondary loss of response

Optimal therapy for anti-TNF therapy primary non-responders

The comparison of standard-of-care vs anti-TNF therapy for maintenance therapy in UC

Are physicians correctly distinguishing mild from moderate or severe CD?

What is the profile of the patient who is most likely to respond? Are they genotypic or phenotypic characteristics?

When is the optimal time in the course of the patient’s illness to begin anti-TNF therapy?

TNF: Tumor necrosis factor; CD: Crohn's disease; AZA: Azathioprine; MTX: Methotrexate; IFX: Infliximab; ADA: Adalimumab; CER: Certolizumab; UC: Ulcerative colitis.