Use of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factors and Anti-Integrins in the Treatment of Crohn's Disease

In patients with Crohn's disease (CD), anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is efficacious for the induction and maintenance of clinical remission, mucosal healing, reducing rates of surgery and hospitalizations, and improving health-related quality of life. The decision between anti-TNFs and anti-integrins as first-line treatment in CD depends on disease severity, safety concerns, and prescription coverage. Given the existing data on long-term outcomes and safety, anti-TNFs are often preferred to anti-integrins. Additional clinical experience and preferably prospective, head-to-head studies will be important to determine whether vedolizumab should be considered more often for first-line therapy in CD.