Predicting response to treatment in patients with IBD

The specific aims of this project are (a) to define predictors of primary (non-) response to the different therapeutic classes for patients with IBD and (b) to develop a comprehensive algorithm to direct personalised medicine in patients with IBD. For these purposes, we will explore which clinical, endoscopic, genetic, transcriptomic and microbial factors influence the response to and the safety of existing and novel therapeutic modalities.  

Methodology

This prospective, observational study will include patients with IBD, both CD and UC, who are naive for a specific drug of interest (anti-TNF agents, vedolizumab or ustekinumab). Patients will be recruited at the tertiary referral IBD unit of the University Hospitals Leuven. Samples (blood, faeces, intestinal biopsies) and clinical data will be collected at inclusion and at fixed time points during study follow-up to integrate clinical, endoscopic, genetic, transcriptomic and microbial data to design a predictive biomarker. 

Proposed Timing

During the first year and a half, patients will be recruited and samples will be collected at our tertiary referral clinic. Afterwards, samples will be processed for DNA, RNA and microbial sequencing. Similarly, proteomic analyses will be performed. During the final year of this project, data integration and extensive bio-informatics will be performed as the basis for proposition of a comprehensive algorithm to direct personalised medicine in patients with IBD.