Ivona Saric Zeba

Dr. Ivona Saric Zeba

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 July 2022 in Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MMMaja Mijic
Maja Mijic
IZIvona Saric Zeba
Ivona Saric Zeba
BDBozena Delija
Bozena Delija
MLMilos Lalovac
Milos Lalovac
NSNikola Sobočan
Nikola Sobočan
TKTajana Filipec Kanizaj
Tajana Filipec Kanizaj
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive cholangiocyte and bile duct destruction leading to fibrosis and finally to liver cirrhosis. The presence of disease-specific serological antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) together with elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as a biomarker of cholestasis is sufficient for diagnosis. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the first treatment option for PBC. Up to 40% of patients have an incomplete response to therapy, and over time disease progresses to liver cirrhosis. Several risk scores are proposed for better evaluation of patients before and during treatment to stratify patients at increased risk of disease progression. GLOBE score and UK PBC risk score are used for the evaluation of UDCA treatment and Mayo risk score for transplant-free survival. Liver transplantation (LT) is the only treatment option for end-stage liver disease. More than 10 years after LT, 40% of patients experience recurrence of the disease. A liver biopsy is required to establish rPBC (recurrent primary biliary cholangitis). The only treatment option for rPBC is UDCA, and data show biochemical and clinical improvement, plus potential beneficial effects for use after transplantation for the prevention of rPBC development. Additional studies are required to assess the full impact of rPBC on graft and recipient survival and for treatment options for rPBC.

16 March 2026 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ZHZeljka Belosic Halle
Zeljka Belosic Halle
VTVedran Tomasic
Vedran Tomasic
ABAlen Bišćanin
Alen Bišćanin
PĆPetra Ćaćić
Petra Ćaćić
IZIvona Saric Zeba
Ivona Saric Zeba
IMIvana Mikolasevic
Ivana Mikolasevic
Background/Objectives: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of various malignancies, but their use is frequently accompanied by immune-related adverse events, among which immune-mediated colitis (IMC) represents one of the most common and clinically significant gastrointestinal toxicities. IMC may lead to treatment interruption, increased morbidity, and compromised quality of life. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, management, and emerging therapeutic strategies with particular emphasis on the role of the gut microbiota and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Methods: This review integrates current international guidelines, meta-analyses, clinical trials, and recent translational studies addressing IMC. The available evidence on immunological mechanisms, predictive biomarkers, clinical presentation, diagnostic algorithms, and treatment options was critically synthesized to outline a structured and multidisciplinary management approach. Results: IMC is driven by dysregulated immune activation, cytokine release, and alterations in gut microbiota. Incidence and severity vary according to ICI class, combination regimens, tumor type, and patient-related factors. Diagnosis requires exclusion of infectious causes, laboratory assessment, and endoscopic and histologic evaluation with CTCAE-based severity grading. Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of first-line therapy, while infliximab and vedolizumab are effective in steroid-refractory cases. Emerging therapies, including JAK inhibitors and FMT, have shown promising results in refractory disease. Conclusions: IMC is a complex and potentially severe complication of ICI therapy that necessitates early recognition, accurate grading, and individualized, multidisciplinary management. Severity-guided treatment, timely escalation to biologics, and careful balancing of immunosuppression with antitumor efficacy are essential for optimal outcomes. Future research should focus on biomarker validation, microbiome-targeted therapies, and prospective trials to refine therapeutic algorithms and define the optimal role and timing of FMT in clinical practice.