Baseline Assessment of Serum Cytokines Predicts Clinical and Endoscopic Response to Ustekinumab in Patients With Crohn's Disease: A Prospective Pilot Study

No biomarkers are currently available to predict therapeutic response to ustekinumab (UST) in Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this prospective study was to identify 1 or more cytokines able to predict mucosal healing in patients with CD treated with UST. We prospectively enrolled consecutive CD patients treated with UST. At weeks 0 (baseline), 24, and 48, a panel of serum cytokines was measured by a fluorescence assay. At the same time points, fecal calprotectin (FC) was assessed. A colonoscopy was performed at baseline and at week 48, where therapeutic outcome was evaluated in terms of mucosal healing. Out of 44 patients enrolled, 22 (50%) achieved mucosal healing at the end of follow-up. Response was associated with higher interleukin (IL)-23 levels (P