Study shows early treatment can prevent long-term complications in Crohn's disease
An Addenbrooke's-led study is the first to provide clear evidence that using more powerful treatments earlier has long-term benefits for people living with Crohn's disease. These findings have been widely welcomed by patients and world-leading experts.
Under existing guidance, people with Crohn's disease typically start advanced treatment only once they have more severe symptoms and disease complications. However, evidence from the trial instead supports an approach known as 'top-down' treatment where patients start on advanced biologic medications such as infliximab or adalimumab, as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Published today (11 September 2026) in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, over 350 patient were followed for an average of five years after diagnosis. Those in the top-down group were 2-times less likely to progress to more complicated disease, 2-times less likely to be admitted to hospital, and had 5-times lower risk of needing abdominal surgery.
Full article: Cambridge University Hospital
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