Why is it important?
Immunomodulators, targeted small molecules and biologics are important IBD treatment options. But they carry significant risks to patients if not managed and monitored appropriately.
There are a number of evidence-based, regularly updated clinical guidelines that can help clinicians manage these therapies. For example, the 2025 BSG guidelines on inflammatory bowel disease in adults, outlines the general principles for pre-treatment safety checks, vaccination, and monitoring of advanced therapies. By ensuring that these inform any agreed protocols, we can ensure that patients benefit from the right pre-screening, prescribing and monitoring practices.
Clinicians should audit all patients on biological therapies to ensure safe and appropriate use.
We’ve seen that patients who participate in their care and shared decision-making have better clinical outcomes.1 That’s why it’s important to give patients information, which is appropriate to their age, understanding and language, that can help them have conversations about the pros and cons of different treatment options with gastroenterologist and surgeons. These conversations should also consider the patient’s own preferences and goals. People with IBD should also be signposted to patient organisations for further information, such as the Crohn’s & Colitis UK ‘Biologic medicines and other targeted treatments’ page or their Medicine Tool.