Add-on to current guidelines for monitoring of SBS patients treated with teduglutide

By inducing growth of the intestinal epithelium, the drug teduglutide, used for the treatment of short bowel syndrome-associated intestinal failure, could feasibly promote growth of pre-existing colonic neoplasms and incite the development of new ones. A baseline screen for colonic lesions and a 1-year follow-up have therefore been recommended, although an ongoing global prospective registry has, to date, shown no promotion of colonic neoplasms. Most recently, there have been reports of patients developing upper intestinal polyps while on the drug, including ones with malignant potential. To ensure patient safety, the Committee overseeing the global registry therefore recommends that monitoring strategies be updated to include screening for small intestinal lesions as well.