Multiple Cytokine Profiling: A New Model to Predict Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists in Ulcerative Colitis Patients.

Background And Aims: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, and antibodies against tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) are used for treatment. Many patients are refractory or lose response to anti-TNF, and predicting response would be an extremely valuable clinical tool. Unlike most biomarkers, cytokines directly mediate inflammation, and their measurement may predict the likelihood of response or no response.