Is granulocytapheresis useful as an alternative therapy in patients with steroid-refractory or -dependent ulcerative colitis?
The findings of this study suggest that GCAP may be a useful alternative therapy for patients with moderate steroid-refractory or -dependent UC, although cyclosporin A or colectomy is necessary in patients with severe UC. GCAP may also be useful for avoiding re-administration of steroids at the time of relapse. Randomized, controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
These findings demonstrate that the FRalpha is a target of the immune system in breast and ovarian cancer patients. Understanding which antigens are targeted by the immune system may be important for prognosis or immune-based therapies.