Dual-targeted treatment for inflammatory bowel disease: Whether fecal microbiota transplantation can be an important part of it

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disease. With the emergence of biologics and other therapeutic methods, two biologics or one biologic combined with a novel small-molecule drug has been proposed in recent years to treat IBD. Although treatment strategies for IBD are being optimized, their efficacy and risks still warrant further consideration. This editorial explores the current risks associated with dual-targeted treatment for IBD and the great potential that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may have for use in combination therapy for IBD. We are focused on addressing refractory IBD or biologically resistant IBD based on currently available dual-targeted treatment by incorporating FMT as part of this dual-targeted treatment. In this new therapy regimen, FMT represents a promising combination therapy.

Keywords: Gut microbiota; Inflammatory bowel disease; Fecal microbiota trans-plantation; Dual-targeted treatment; Combination treatment

Core Tip: The combination of biologic agents or the combination of a biologic agent and a novel small-molecule drug for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) carries certain risks, and some patients are resistant to these drugs. The regulation of the gut microbiota has become a potential treatment for IBD, and the inclusion of fecal bacteria transplantation in dual-targeted treatments for IBD holds great promise.