Comparison of the Efficacy of Different Biologic Agents in Preventing Postoperative Endoscopic Recurrence of Crohn's Disease

July 6, 2026 updated by: Xiaolei Wang, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital
This retrospective cohort study aims to compare the efficacy of different biologics in preventing postoperative endoscopic recurrence in Crohn's disease (CD). It plans to include 198 adult patients who underwent bowel resection and initiated prophylactic biologic therapy between January 1, 2015, and April 1, 2025. Patients will be divided into anti-TNF (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab) and non-anti-TNF (e.g., vedolizumab, ustekinumab) groups based on the biologic started within 6 weeks post-surgery. The primary outcome is endoscopic recurrence (Rutgeerts score ≥ i2) at 6-12 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include severe endoscopic recurrence, clinical recurrence, recurrence at different anastomotic sites, CD-related rehospitalization, reoperation, drug persistence, the POCER postoperative endoscopic index, and histopathological changes in the bowel and mesenteric fat. Subgroup analyses will explore treatment effects by recurrence risk stratification and resection extent. Using retrospective data collection, the study will apply multivariate regression and survival analysis to provide real-world evidence for optimizing postoperative biologic selection.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

This study is a retrospective cohort study aiming to compare the efficacy of different biologics in preventing endoscopic recurrence after surgery for Crohn's disease (CD). It plans to include 198 adult CD patients who underwent intestinal resection and initiated prophylactic biologic therapy between January 1, 2015, and April 1, 2025. Patients will be divided into an anti-TNF group (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab) and a non-anti-TNF group (e.g., vedolizumab, ustekinumab) based on the biologic agent used within six weeks post-surgery. The primary outcome is the rate of endoscopic recurrence (Rutgeerts score ≥ i2) at 6-12 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include the rate of severe endoscopic recurrence, clinical recurrence, recurrence at different anastomotic sites, CD-related rehospitalization, reoperation, drug persistence, the POCER postoperative endoscopic index, and pathological changes in the intestinal tissue and mesenteric fat. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore differences in efficacy across varying levels of recurrence risk and resection extent. Through retrospective data collection and statistical analyses including multivariate regression and survival analysis, this study aims to provide real-world evidence to optimize the selection of postoperative biologic therapy in clinical practice.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
198

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

This retrospective cohort study will include adult patients with Crohn's disease who underwent CD-related intestinal resection at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital between January 1, 2015 and April 1, 2025. Eligible patients initiated postoperative prophylactic biologic therapy within 6 weeks after surgery and had available postoperative follow-up data, including endoscopic assessment within 6 to 12 months after surgery or other clinical data for recurrence evaluation. Patients will be grouped according to the type of postoperative prophylactic biologic therapy, including anti-TNF biologics and non-anti-TNF biologics.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age ≥18 years.
  • Diagnosis of Crohn's disease according to the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) guideline criteria, based on clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, radiologic, and histopathologic findings.
  • Underwent Crohn's disease-related intestinal resection, including ileocolonic resection, segmental small bowel resection, or segmental colonic resection.
  • Initiated postoperative prophylactic biologic therapy within 6 weeks after surgery.
  • Maintained postoperative prophylactic biologic therapy for at least 3 to 6 months.
  • Completed at least one evaluable postoperative ileocolonoscopy within 6 to 12 months after surgery for assessment of the Rutgeerts score, or had available clinical, radiologic, ultrasonographic, or laboratory data for evaluation of clinical recurrence.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of other intestinal diseases, including intestinal Behçet's disease, ulcerative colitis, intestinal tuberculosis, or intestinal malignancy.
  • Intestinal surgery mainly performed for non-IBD conditions, such as intestinal malignancy.
  • No postoperative endoscopic evaluation within 6 to 12 months after surgery, or endoscopic quality insufficient for Rutgeerts score assessment, and lack of adequate clinical, radiologic, ultrasonographic, or laboratory data for recurrence assessment.
  • Irregular use of postoperative prophylactic therapy due to severe comorbidities, serious infection, or other reasons, making treatment efficacy difficult to evaluate.
  • Other conditions considered by the investigators to be inappropriate for inclusion.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort

Group / Cohort

A group or subgroup of participants in an observational study that is assessed for biomedical or health outcomes.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Postoperative anti-TNF biologics group
Patients with Crohn's disease who underwent CD-related intestinal resection and initiated postoperative prophylactic anti-TNF biologic therapy within 6 weeks after surgery, including infliximab or adalimumab. All treatments were prescribed as part of routine clinical care, and this retrospective observational study did not assign any intervention.
Biological: Infliximab
Infliximab was used as postoperative prophylactic biologic therapy for Crohn's disease according to routine clinical practice. The recommended regimen was 5 mg/kg intravenously at weeks 0, 2, and 6, followed by maintenance treatment every 8 weeks.
Biological: Adalimumab
Adalimumab was used as postoperative prophylactic biologic therapy for Crohn's disease according to routine clinical practice. The recommended regimen was 160 mg subcutaneously at week 0, 80 mg at week 2, and 40 mg every 2 weeks from week 4 onward.
Postoperative non-anti-TNF biologics group
Patients with Crohn's disease who underwent CD-related intestinal resection and initiated postoperative prophylactic non-anti-TNF biologic therapy within 6 weeks after surgery, including vedolizumab or ustekinumab. All treatments were prescribed as part of routine clinical care, and this retrospective observational study did not assign any intervention.
Biological: Vedolizumab
Vedolizumab was used as postoperative prophylactic biologic therapy for Crohn's disease according to routine clinical practice. The recommended regimen was 300 mg intravenously at weeks 0, 2, and 6, followed by maintenance treatment every 8 weeks.
Biological: Ustekinumab (UST)
Ustekinumab was used as postoperative prophylactic biologic therapy for Crohn's disease according to routine clinical practice. The recommended regimen included a weight-based intravenous induction dose, followed by 90 mg subcutaneously every 8 weeks.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Endoscopic recurrence rate
Time Frame: 6 to 12 months after surgery
The proportion of patients with endoscopic recurrence, defined as a Rutgeerts score ≥ i2 on ileocolonoscopy performed 6 to 12 months after CD-related intestinal resection.
6 to 12 months after surgery

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Severe endoscopic recurrence rate
Time Frame: 6 to 12 months after surgery
The proportion of patients with severe endoscopic recurrence, defined as a Rutgeerts score ≥ i3 on postoperative ileocolonoscopy.
6 to 12 months after surgery
Clinical recurrence rate
Time Frame: Up to 5 years after surgery
The proportion of patients with clinical recurrence, defined as worsening Crohn's disease-related symptoms supported by endoscopic, radiologic, ultrasonographic, laboratory, or medical record evidence, or requiring treatment escalation, hospitalization, or reoperation due to Crohn's disease activity.
Up to 5 years after surgery
Long-term endoscopic recurrence rate
Time Frame: 3 and 5 years after surgery
The proportion of patients with endoscopic recurrence during long-term follow-up, defined as a Rutgeerts score ≥ i2 on follow-up endoscopy.
3 and 5 years after surgery
Crohn's disease-related rehospitalization rate
Time Frame: Up to 5 years after surgery
The proportion of patients requiring rehospitalization due to Crohn's disease activity, complications, or treatment-related problems during follow-up.
Up to 5 years after surgery
Crohn's disease-related reoperation rate
Time Frame: Up to 5 years after surgery
The proportion of patients requiring repeat abdominal surgery due to Crohn's disease recurrence or related complications during follow-up.
Up to 5 years after surgery
Drug persistence
Time Frame: Up to 5 years after treatment initiation
Time from initiation of postoperative prophylactic biologic therapy to treatment discontinuation, switch to another biologic or immunomodulator, or discontinuation due to intolerance or adverse events.
Up to 5 years after treatment initiation

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Shanghai 10th People's Hospital

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
January 16, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
September 30, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
October 31, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
July 6, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
July 6, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
July 10, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
July 10, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
July 6, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
July 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • SHSY-IEC-6.0/26K14/P01

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Cookie Settings

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. For more details carefully read our Privacy and Cookies Policy. ...>>>You can change your preferences or withdraw your consent at any time by deleting the cookies from your website or computer as described in the policy. Please accept it and choose your preferences by ticking the corresponding boxes in the "Manage Settings" section below. Please carefully read our Terms of Service before you proceed with using any part of this website.
«Manage Settings