Management of Patients with IBD and History of Cancer

Abstract

The use of advanced therapies, including biologics and small molecules, has become an established clinical practice for the treatment of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). However, certain patient populations, such as those with a history of cancer, are often excluded from clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of these therapies. This exclusion has historically left clinicians with limited evidence to guide treatment decisions in this high-risk group. Nevertheless, emerging real-world data and updated guidelines increasingly support the safe use of advanced therapies in patients with a prior malignancy. Risk stratification and a multidisciplinary approach, including oncologist input, remain critical in optimizing patient outcomes by assessing both cancer recurrence risk and disease activity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence, address existing knowledge gaps, and offer practical insights for the management of IBD in patients with a history of cancer.