Caballero-Mateos AM, Cañadas-de la Fuente GA. Game changer: How Janus kinase inhibitors are reshaping the landscape of ulcerative colitis management. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30(35): 3942-3953 [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i35.3942]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Antonio M Caballero-Mateos, PhD, Assistant Lecturer, Doctor, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, San Cecilio University Hospital, AV conocimiento sn, Granada 18014, Spain. ogy1492@hotmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Gastroenterol. Sep 21, 2024; 30(35): 3942-3953 Published online Sep 21, 2024. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i35.3942
Game changer: How Janus kinase inhibitors are reshaping the landscape of ulcerative colitis management
Antonio M Caballero-Mateos, Guillermo Arturo Cañadas-de la Fuente
Antonio M Caballero-Mateos, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada 18014, Spain
Guillermo Arturo Cañadas-de la Fuente, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18004, Spain
Author contributions: Caballero-Mateos AM contributed to the conception, design, and drafting of the manuscript; Cañadas-de la Fuente GA contributed to the design and revision of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Antonio M Caballero-Mateos, PhD, Assistant Lecturer, Doctor, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, San Cecilio University Hospital, AV conocimiento sn, Granada 18014, Spain. ogy1492@hotmail.com
Received: July 6, 2024 Revised: August 19, 2024 Accepted: August 22, 2024 Published online: September 21, 2024 Processing time: 68 Days and 1.6 Hours
Abstract
Recent advancements in the treatment landscape of ulcerative colitis (UC) have ushered in a new era of possibilities, particularly with the introduction of Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription inhibitors. These novel agents offer a paradigm shift in UC management by targeting key signaling pathways involved in inflammatory processes. With approved JAK inhibitors (JAKis), such as tofacitinib, filgotinib, and upadacitinib, clinicians now have powerful tools to modulate immune responses and gene expression, potentially revolutionizing the treatment algorithm for UC. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of JAKis in inducing and maintaining remission, presenting viable options for patients who have failed conventional therapies. Real-world data support the use of JAKis not only as first-line treatments but also in subsequent lines of therapy, particularly in patients with aggressive disease phenotypes or refractory to biologic agents. The rapid onset of action and potency of JAKis have broadened the possibilities in the management strategies of UC, offering timely relief for patients with active disease and facilitating personalized treatment approaches. Despite safety concerns, including cardiovascular risks and infections, ongoing research and post-marketing surveillance will continue to refine our understanding of the risk-benefit profile of JAKis in UC management.
Core Tip: Janus kinase inhibitors such as tofacitinib, filgotinib, and upadacitinib represent a significant advancement in ulcerative colitis (UC) management, offering effective induction and maintenance of remission, especially for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies. Despite potential safety concerns, these agents provide rapid action and the ability to tailor treatment to individual patient needs, marking a paradigm shift in UC treatment strategies.
