During the REPREVIO clinical study, researchers sought to understand whether using vedolizumab (Entyvio) after bowel resection could prevent the risk of recurrence in individuals with advanced Crohn’s disease. Participants were split into two cohorts; Cohort 1 (37 individuals) received a placebo, while the other (43 individuals) received vedolizumab treatment. 

According to MedPage Today, this research is necessary and could fill an unmet need. Many individuals with advanced Crohn’s disease require bowel resections when treatment fails. However, this doesn’t treat the underlying cause of the disease. As a result, recurrence often happens. If vedolizumab could stop recurrence, it could improve how patients feel. 

During the trial, patients received 300mg vedolizumab every 8 weeks that began one month after bowel resection. They were then analyzed during their 6-month colonoscopy. Findings from the trial, presented at Digestive Disease Week 2023, show that:

• Risk factors for Crohn’s disease recurrence include previous tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment, smoking cigarettes, previous bowel resections, and surgery to manage abscesses or fistulas related to this condition. 
• People receiving a placebo were significantly more likely to have digestive tract inflammation and ulceration than those receiving vedolizumab. 
• While two serious adverse reactions—bilateral tubo-ovarian abscess and thrombosed hemorrhoids—occured, vedolizumab is considered to be safe and well-tolerated. 
• 41.8% of people taking vedolizumab had no Crohn’s-related lesions after 6 months, compared to just 2.7% taking the placebo. 

About Crohn’s Disease

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis exist under the greater category of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Hereditary and immune malfunction are believed to play a role—but doctors ultimately don’t know the cause. However, risk factors have been identified: a family history of IBD, being younger than 30, being White or of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, smoking cigarettes, living in an urban area, or using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Crohn’s disease causes digestive tract inflammation, often in the ileum and colon, that spreads deep into the tissue. Individuals with this disease may have periods of symptoms and remission. Symptoms may include: 

• Unintentional weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Anal pain and drainage
• Bloody stool
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores
• Delayed growth or sexual development (in children)
• Skin, eye, bile duct, joint, and liver inflammation

There are no cures for Crohn’s disease. Treatments are designed to reduce inflammation and provide relief from symptoms.