Management of ulcerative colitis: where are we at and where are we heading?

Introduction: Remission rates for ulcerative colitis (UC) remain low despite significant progress in disease understanding and the introduction of novel therapeutic agents. Several challenges contribute to this, including the heterogeneity of the disease, suboptimal efficacy of current diagnostic and therapeutic tools, drug safety concerns, and limited access to newer treatment options.

Areas covered: This review evaluates current treatment targets in UC, assessing the effectiveness of various therapies and management strategies in achieving remission. We explore the potential role of personalized medicine, which tailors treatment based on clinical predictors, genetic factors, and immunologic profiles. Personalized approaches show promise in improving remission rates by addressing the unique characteristics of each patient. We also discussed the feasibility of adapting such management models and suggested solutions to some of the challenges in their implementation.

Expert opinion: Future efforts should prioritize the continued development of biologics, small molecules, and digital health solutions, alongside noninvasive monitoring techniques. These innovations could not only enhance patient outcomes by improving remission rates but also reduce healthcare costs by minimizing hospitalization and surgical interventions. Ultimately, a personalized, stratified approach to UC management is key to optimizing patient care and addressing the unmet needs in this field.