Zuzana Zelinková
The use of anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (antiTNF) biologics represents an important progress in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AntiTNF agents have shown their efficacy in the induction and maintenance of clinical remission in IBD with steroid-sparing effect in at least a part of the patients. In addition, several observations suggest that effective disease control achieved by antiTNF agents might result in a reduced rate of surgical complications. On the other hand, the treatment efficacy can be limited by infectious complications and immunogenicity. Currently, novel concepts of antiTNF biologics use are being evaluated, such as early treatment introduction in the disease course and treatment intensification in asymptomatic patients with ongoing endoscopic activity.