Infliximab and adalimumab for the treatment of Crohn's disease

6 Recommendations for further research

6.1 Randomised controlled trials should be carried out that directly compare infliximab and adalimumab.

6.2 Trials should be carried out of continuous treatment with infliximab and adalimumab that are designed to allow a true, unbiased comparison with standard care.

6.3 Trials of continuous treatment with adalimumab should be carried out exploring less-frequent dosing regimens.

6.4 Data should be collected on the effect of TNF inhibitors on the natural history of Crohn's disease, particularly the effect on relapse rates.

6.5 Health-related quality-of-life information about people with Crohn's disease should be collected.

6.6 Clinically meaningful instruments should be developed to help identify patients for whom treatment with infliximab and adalimumab would be suitable.

6.7 A register should be set up to monitor people who receive TNF inhibitors for the treatment of Crohn's disease in order to obtain data on long-term outcomes and relapse rates after withdrawal.