The clinical potential of etrolizumab in ulcerative colitis: hypes and hopes

Abstract

Antiadhesion molecules are effective and safe in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Etrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting both α4β7 and αEβ7, represents a promising therapy for patients with UC, since this novel mechanism of action may be effective in blocking leukocyte recruitment both at the vascular and at the mucosal level. Preliminary studies show that etrolizumab is effective in inducing clinical response and remission, and mucosal healing. Moreover, new predictors of response have recently been identified, opening the way to a tailored therapeutic approach. This review of the literature aims to present and discuss the most recent evidence on etrolizumab in UC, focusing on the clinical implications of the use of etrolizumab in UC.