Falk Gastro Info 1/2026

Macaluso FS et al, J Crohns Colitis. 2025;19(10):jjaf175

Vedolizumab therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and partial response following induction with intravenous vedolizumab: In this prospective Italian cohort study (PRIVEDO), IBD patients with partial response to intravenous vedolizumab induction therapy had better response rates when switching to subcutaneous therapy rather than continuing with intensified intravenous administration.

Hecht JR et al, Lancet. 2025;406(10517):2360-2370

Zanzalintinib plus atezolizumab versus regorafenib in refractory colorectal cancer (STELLAR-303): This is the first phase 3 trial to demonstrate a significant improvement in overall survival with an immunotherapy-based regimen in patients with refractory or relapsed colorectal cancer, that is not microsatellite instable or mismatch repair deficient.

Florian J et a, JAMA Intern Med. 2025;185(9):1070-1078

Effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on liver enzymes: Findings from a placebo-controlled trial: This study evaluated whether 28 days of cannabidiol (CBD) administration in 201 healthy adults leads to changes in liver enzyme levels. The authors report that even commonly used CBD doses can be associated with measurable increases in ALT and AST compared to placebo. While similar effects have not been documented for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabis, the findings highlight the need for careful assessment of CBD’s potential hepatotoxicity.

Noureddin M et a, Lancet. 2025;406(10520):2644-2655

Pemvidutide in MASH: Findings from a placebo-controlled phase-2b trial: This placebo-controlled phase-2b trial evaluated pemvidutide – a dual GLP-1 glucagon receptor agonist – in patients with biopsy-confirmed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The authors report marked reductions in hepatic inflammation and frequent MASH resolution, while fibrosis remained stable without evidence of worsening. The study highlights the therapeutic promise of this drug class for the pharmacological management of MASH.

Forss A et al, Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025;23(13):2468-2476.e7

Increased mortality in achalasia: This nation-wide cohort study from Sweden indicates that patients with achalasia have a 42% increased mortality rate compared with the general population, which is mainly driven by malignant disease (in particular increased risk for esophageal cancer) and respiratory disease.

van de Pavert YL et al, Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025;10(12):1065-1074

Endoscopic versus surgical gastroenterostomy for palliation of malignant outlet obstruction: In this randomized trial with patients suffering from malignant gastric outlet obstruction (ENDURO), palliative treatment with endoscopic gastroenterostomy was superior to surgical gastroenterostomy for time of resumption of solid oral intake and non-inferior for the rate of persistent or recurrent obstructive symptoms.