Triple therapy with adalimumab, ustekinumab and methotrexate for induction of remission in moderate to severe ileocolonic Crohn's disease with upper gastrointestinal involvement in a biologic-experienced individual

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Oct 13;14(10):e243500. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-243500.

Abstract

Induction of remission in biologic-experienced individuals with moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD) can be a challenge. We hereby present a case of CD with secondary non-response to infliximab. Adding methotrexate and switching to ustekinumab plus methotrexate did not stop the inflammatory process. Therefore, combination therapy with two classes of biologics consisting of ustekinumab and adalimumab plus methotrexate was initiated. He achieved clinical remission in 4 weeks and remained on triple therapy for 6 months which was subsequently tailored to adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy due to insurance restriction on ustekinumab. He remained in remission for the duration of follow-up, 14 months after initiation of triple therapy and 8 months after switching to methotrexate/adalimumab biologic monotherapy. Triple therapy with anti-TNF, IL-12/23 inhibitor and methotrexate could potentially be an option for induction of remission in biologic-experienced individuals with good initial clinical response to anti-TNF agents.

Keywords: Crohn's disease; biological agents; drugs: gastrointestinal system; endoscopy; inflammatory bowel disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab / therapeutic use
  • Biological Products*
  • Crohn Disease* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Remission Induction
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
  • Ustekinumab / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
  • Infliximab
  • Ustekinumab
  • Adalimumab
  • Methotrexate