The introduction and rapid diffusion of biolo
gical a
gents in the treat
ment of infla
mmatory bowel disease had led us to believe that the old i
mmunosuppressive dru
gs were destined to disappear. However, despite a decade of clinical experience in the use of biolo
gical a
gents, the old i
mmunosuppressive dru
gs continue to play a pivotal role in the
mana
ge
ment of infla
mmatory bowel disease. Various factors
may account for this chan
ge of view.
Aim of the present review was to summarise key information currently available regarding the use of immunosuppressive drugs in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.