Immunology session

2pm – 3.30pm BST, 10 June 2025 ‐ 1 hour 30 mins

Parallel session

Chair:  Catherine Keymer

 

The session will provide an update from the perspectives of the lab, clinical practice, and research, on the current issues and practices of anti-drug antibody testing in inflammatory bowel disease. 

14.00  Optimizing Patient Outcomes in Gastroenterology: Point-of-Care Solution's - Fadoua El Hiayadi
Quantum Blue® Infliximab is a quantitative lateral flow immunoassay designed for in vitro diagnostic use. It measures infliximab levels in serum samples and supports therapeutic drug monitoring in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing infliximab therapy. This test combines clinical and laboratory findings to optimize infliximab treatment.

I am introducing this assay in our lab to enable quick results for better patient outcomes, especially for critically ill patients who require immediate action. Currently, we send samples to a referral lab, and it takes 6–8 weeks to receive the results. This delay is often too long or impractical for making timely medical decisions. By implementing the rapid test in our laboratory, we can significantly improve the clinical outcome by enabling timely interventions, optimizing therapy, and avoiding delays that could worsen the patient’s condition. This streamlined process allows clinicians to make informed medical decisions in real time, improving overall patient care and reducing risks associated with prolonged diagnostic timelines.

14.30  The clinical impact of therapeutic drug monitoring in inflammatory bowel disease - Zachary Green
The clinical importance of measuring anti-TNF drug levels in inflammatory bowel disease. Impacts on patient care, management and the future implications of point-of-care testing

15.00  Measurement of anti-drug antibodies in anti-TNF therapeutic drug monitoring - Allan Dunlop
Adalimumab and Infliximab are biologic drugs that inhibit the action of TNFα, a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. Some patients do not respond to biologic treatment (primary non-responders) whilst others develop a loss of response (secondary non-responders). Anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) are considered a significant factor in loss of response to anti-TNFα therapy. Measurement of ADAs are considered an essential part of therapeutic drug monitoring and patient management. This talk will cover details of current service provision including recent advances in the area.