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Medical therapy for ulcerative colitis: The state of the art and beyond

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Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic inflammatory condition of the large intestine. Recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of UC have led to the development of novel treatments for this often debilitating condition. Aside from aminosalicylates and corticosteroids, drugs that have been used for decades in the treatment of UC, biologic agents, in addition to medications targeting specific effector mechanisms involved in the inflammatory cascade, have been used in patients with UC with varying degrees of success. Clinicians have never had as many therapeutic options for UC as they do today. Herein we review the variety of treatment options, both standard and investigational, that are available for patients with UC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, The University of Chicago Hospitals, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 4076, 60637, Chicago, IL, USA

    Andrew S. Ross MD & Russell D. Cohen MD

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  1. Andrew S. Ross MD
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  2. Russell D. Cohen MD
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Ross, A.S., Cohen, R.D. Medical therapy for ulcerative colitis: The state of the art and beyond. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 6, 488–495 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-004-0071-9

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