Lecture on anti-TNF optimization in IBD treatment

Thanks to my gastroenterologist I was invited to an interesting lecture on this topic given by Dr. Severine Vermeire, a gastroenterologist/IBD researcher visiting from Belgium. She is focusing on issues much discussed here on the UC forum by members in treatment with Remicade, such as the need for combo therapy with immunosuppressants. She advocates individualization in clinical practice, tracking a patient's serologic markers to gauge whether med levels require adjustment, when to drop combo therapy, whether the infusion schedule can safely be extended beyond 8 weeks, etc. Assay for patients undergoing treatment with these meds has been a problem in Europe as well as in the U.S. (Prometheus) due to limited lab facilities. I was interested to hear that research shows UC patients require a somewhat higher "trough" level of the biologic than Crohn's patients to effectively combat antibodies. Dr. Vermeire will return to the U.S. in May to participate in an IBD conference in San Diego. / Old Hat (31 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)

Thanks Old Hat :) Actually, most of what you posted about is what my GI already told me....that he believes in combo therapy; 6mp and Remicade to help prevent antibodies. However, I haven't heard about the increased dosage of Remi for Uc patients over Cd to combat the antibodies. That is interesting. Did they state why that would be? Why Uc needs a higher dose?