©Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. No commercial re-use. See Permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
World J Gastroenterol. Mar 7, 2026; 32(9): 115785
Published online Mar 7, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i9.115785
Published online Mar 7, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i9.115785
Lessons from extended induction and practical evidence for improving tofacitinib therapy in ulcerative colitis
Yasser Fouad, Department of Gastroenterology and Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia 19111, Egypt
Ahmed S Aboelela, Department of Gastroenterology and Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Galala University, Galala 17234, Egypt
Author contributions: Both authors participated in designing, writing and revising the editorial.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Corresponding author: Yasser Fouad, MD, Doctor, Department of Gastroenterology and Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El Horryia Street, Minia 19111, Egypt. yasserfouad10@yahoo.com
Received: October 25, 2025
Revised: December 2, 2025
Accepted: January 4, 2026
Published online: March 7, 2026
Processing time: 125 Days and 16.2 Hours
Revised: December 2, 2025
Accepted: January 4, 2026
Published online: March 7, 2026
Processing time: 125 Days and 16.2 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Partial or delayed responders with ulcerative colitis can be saved by extending tofacitinib induction from 8 weeks to 16 weeks without raising safety concerns. Evidence from the real world shows that this approach, especially in patients with biologic experience, results in higher remission rates and long-lasting drug persistence. Instead of a strict 8-week limit, a structured, response-guided algorithm enables clinicians to address modifiable risk factors like smoking, maximize long-term outcomes, and customize therapy. Now, extended induction ought to be seen as a logical, scientifically supported part of customized tofacitinib treatment.