This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Marla Dubinsky, MD; David Rubin, MD; Miguel Regueiro, MD; Remo Panaccione, MD, FRCPC; and Sara Horst, MD, MPH.

The experts delve into the reassessment and monitoring strategies for patients undergoing treatment for Crohn's disease. The discussion revolves around determining when and how healthcare providers should assess if the patient is progressing in the right direction and whether the current treatment is effective.

The speakers emphasize the importance of early targets, including clinical response, clinical remission, and biomarker trends. They stress that if patients don't meet these early targets within a reasonable timeframe, there is a need to reassess the monitoring strategy. The concept of treat-to-target is discussed, where clinical response should be assessed within 4 weeks of initiating therapy.

The role of biomarkers, such as fecal calprotectin and c-reactive protein (CRP), is highlighted, with a suggestion to monitor them as early as week 4 and subsequently at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and every 3 months. The biomarker trends help identify whether the therapy is working or if there's a need for intensification or a change in treatment.

The speakers also touch upon the challenge of convincing patients who feel well to undergo monitoring, emphasizing the importance of using patients as their own control. The goal is to establish a baseline understanding and ensure that even when patients are in endoscopic remission, ongoing monitoring remains crucial.

Overall, the discussion emphasizes the dynamic nature of monitoring strategies, adapting to individual patient responses, and using a combination of clinical, biomarker, and endoscopic assessments to guide treatment decisions effectively.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive editorial staff.