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Farinha I, Heaney LG. Barriers to clinical remission in severe asthma. Respir Res 2024; 25:178. [PMID: 38658975 PMCID: PMC11044532 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02812-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe asthma is associated with an increased risk for exacerbations, reduced lung function, fixed airflow obstruction, and substantial morbidity and mortality. The concept of remission in severe asthma as a new treatment goal has recently gained attention due to the growing use of monoclonal antibody therapies, which target specific pathologic pathways of inflammation. This review evaluates the current definitions of asthma remission and unveils some of the barriers for achieving this state in the severe asthma population. Although there is no unified definition, the concept of clinical remission in asthma should be based on a sustained period of symptom control, elimination of oral corticosteroid exposure and exacerbations, and stabilization of pulmonary function. The conjugation of these criteria seems a realistic treatment target in a minority of asthmatic patients. Some unmet needs in severe asthma may affect the achievement of clinical remission. Late intervention with targeted therapies in the severe asthma population may increase the risk of corticosteroid exposure and the development of irreversible structural airway changes. Moreover, airway infection is an important component in persistent exacerbations in patients on biologic therapies. Phenotyping exacerbations may be useful to guide therapy decisions and to avoid the liberal use of oral corticosteroids. Another challenge associated with the aim of clinical remission in severe asthma is the multifaceted interaction between the disease and its associated comorbidities. Behavioural factors should be evaluated in case of persistent symptoms despite optimised treatment, and assessing biomarkers and targeting treatable traits may allow for a more objective way of reaching remission. The concept of clinical remission will benefit from an international consensus to establish unifying criteria for its assessment, and it should be addressed in the future management guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Farinha
- Pulmonology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Praceta Prof. Mota Pinto, Coimbra, 3004-561, Portugal
| | - Liam G Heaney
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
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Porsbjerg CM, Townend J, Bergeron C, Christoff GC, Katsoulotos GP, Larenas-Linnemann D, Tran TN, Al-Lehebi R, Bosnic-Anticevich SZ, Busby J, Hew M, Kostikas K, Papadopoulos NG, Pfeffer PE, Popov TA, Rhee CK, Sadatsafavi M, Tsai MJ, Ulrik CS, Al-Ahmad M, Altraja A, Beastall A, Bulathsinhala L, Carter V, Cosio BG, Fletton K, Hansen S, Heaney LG, Hubbard RB, Kuna P, Murray RB, Nagano T, Pini L, Cano Rosales DJ, Schleich F, Wechsler ME, Amaral R, Bourdin A, Brusselle GG, Chen W, Chung LP, Denton E, Fonseca JA, Hoyte F, Jackson DJ, Katial R, Kirenga BJ, Koh MS, Ławkiedraj A, Lehtimäki L, Liew MF, Mahboub B, Martin N, Menzies-Gow AN, Pang PH, Papaioannou AI, Patel PH, Perez-De-Llano L, Peters MJ, Ricciardi L, Rodríguez-Cáceres B, Solarte I, Tay TR, Torres-Duque CA, Wang E, Zappa M, Abisheganaden J, Assing KD, Costello RW, Gibson PG, Heffler E, Máspero J, Nicola S, Perng (Steve) DW, Puggioni F, Salvi S, Sheu CC, Sirena C, Taillé C, Tan TL, Bjermer L, Canonica GW, Iwanaga T, Jiménez-Maldonado L, Taube C, Brussino L, Price DB. Association between pre-biologic T2-biomarker combinations and response to biologics in patients with severe asthma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1361891. [PMID: 38711495 PMCID: PMC11070939 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1361891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To date, studies investigating the association between pre-biologic biomarker levels and post-biologic outcomes have been limited to single biomarkers and assessment of biologic efficacy from structured clinical trials. Aim To elucidate the associations of pre-biologic individual biomarker levels or their combinations with pre-to-post biologic changes in asthma outcomes in real-life. Methods This was a registry-based, cohort study using data from 23 countries, which shared data with the International Severe Asthma Registry (May 2017-February 2023). The investigated biomarkers (highest pre-biologic levels) were immunoglobulin E (IgE), blood eosinophil count (BEC) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Pre- to approximately 12-month post-biologic change for each of three asthma outcome domains (i.e. exacerbation rate, symptom control and lung function), and the association of this change with pre-biologic biomarkers was investigated for individual and combined biomarkers. Results Overall, 3751 patients initiated biologics and were included in the analysis. No association was found between pre-biologic BEC and pre-to-post biologic change in exacerbation rate for any biologic class. However, higher pre-biologic BEC and FeNO were both associated with greater post-biologic improvement in FEV1 for both anti-IgE and anti-IL5/5R, with a trend for anti-IL4Rα. Mean FEV1 improved by 27-178 mL post-anti-IgE as pre-biologic BEC increased (250 to 1000 cells/µL), and by 43-216 mL and 129-250 mL post-anti-IL5/5R and -anti-IL4Rα, respectively along the same BEC gradient. Corresponding improvements along a FeNO gradient (25-100 ppb) were 41-274 mL, 69-207 mL and 148-224 mL for anti-IgE, anti-IL5/5R, and anti-IL4Rα, respectively. Higher baseline BEC was also associated with lower probability of uncontrolled asthma (OR 0.392; p=0.001) post-biologic for anti-IL5/5R. Pre-biologic IgE was a poor predictor of subsequent pre-to-post-biologic change for all outcomes assessed for all biologics. The combination of BEC + FeNO marginally improved the prediction of post-biologic FEV1 increase (adjusted R2: 0.751), compared to BEC (adjusted R2: 0.747) or FeNO alone (adjusted R2: 0.743) (p=0.005 and <0.001, respectively); however, this prediction was not improved by the addition of IgE. Conclusions The ability of higher baseline BEC, FeNO and their combination to predict biologic-associated lung function improvement may encourage earlier intervention in patients with impaired lung function or at risk of accelerated lung function decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste M. Porsbjerg
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Townend
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Bergeron
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Lung Health, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Gregory P. Katsoulotos
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, Sydney Campus, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Trung N. Tran
- BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Riyad Al-Lehebi
- Department of Pulmonology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sinthia Z. Bosnic-Anticevich
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John Busby
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Hew
- Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology Service, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Paul E. Pfeffer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Barts Health National Health Services (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chin Kook Rhee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohsen Sadatsafavi
- Respiratory Evaluation Sciences Program, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ming-Ju Tsai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Charlotte Suppli Ulrik
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen ;University Hospital - Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mona Al-Ahmad
- Microbiology Department, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Al-Rashed Allergy Center, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Alan Altraja
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Tartu and Lung Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Aaron Beastall
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lakmini Bulathsinhala
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Carter
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Borja G. Cosio
- Son Espases University Hospital-Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa)-Ciberes, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Kirsty Fletton
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Susanne Hansen
- Respiratory Research Unit, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Liam G. Heaney
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Richard B. Hubbard
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Respiratory Medicine at the School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Piotr Kuna
- Division of Internal Medicine Asthma and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Tatsuya Nagano
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Laura Pini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences – University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Florence Schleich
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sart-Tilman, GIGA I3, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Michael E. Wechsler
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health (NJH) Cohen Family Asthma Institute, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Rita Amaral
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- CINTESIS@RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Arnaud Bourdin
- PhyMedExp, Univ Montpellier, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), The National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Guy G. Brusselle
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Departments of Epidemiology and Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wenjia Chen
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Ping Chung
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Eve Denton
- Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology Service, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joao A. Fonseca
- CINTESIS@RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Flavia Hoyte
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - David J. Jackson
- Guy’s Severe Asthma Centre, Guy’s Hospital, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rohit Katial
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Bruce J. Kirenga
- Department of Medicine, Lung Institute, Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mariko Siyue Koh
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Lauri Lehtimäki
- Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mei Fong Liew
- FAST and Chronic Programmes, Alexandra Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bassam Mahboub
- Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai Academic and Health Corporation, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Neil Martin
- BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew N. Menzies-Gow
- BioPharmaceutical Medical, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Lung Division, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pee Hwee Pang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andriana I. Papaioannou
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Pujan H. Patel
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Perez-De-Llano
- Pneumology Service, Lucus Augusti University Hospital, Sergas (Galician Healthcare Service) Integrated Management Structure (EOXI) Lugo, Cervo, Spain
| | - Matthew J. Peters
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Luisa Ricciardi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, G. Martino Hospital, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Ivan Solarte
- Pulmonary Unit, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
- School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Tunn Ren Tay
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carlos A. Torres-Duque
- Centro Internacional de Investigación en Neumología (CINEUMO), Respiratory Research Center, Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Universidad de La Sabana, Doctoral Biosciences, Chia, Colombia
| | - Eileen Wang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Martina Zappa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - John Abisheganaden
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, National Healthcare Group, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karin Dahl Assing
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Richard W. Costello
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Smurfit Building Beaumont Hospital, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter G. Gibson
- Australian Severe Asthma Network, Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Humanitas Cancer Center (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Jorge Máspero
- Clinical Research for Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, CIDEA Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- University Career of Specialists in Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the Buenos Aires University School of Medicine, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Stefania Nicola
- Allergy and Immunology Unit, L'Azienda Ospedaliera (AO) Ordine Mauriziano di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Diahn-Warng Perng (Steve)
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Francesca Puggioni
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Humanitas Cancer Center (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Sundeep Salvi
- Pulmocare Research and Education Foundation, Pune, India
| | - Chau-Chyun Sheu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Camille Taillé
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Bichat Hospital, l'Assistance publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Nord-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Tze Lee Tan
- Department of Family Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Giorgio Walter Canonica
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Humanitas Cancer Center (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | | | - Libardo Jiménez-Maldonado
- Universidad de La Sabana, Doctoral Biosciences, Chia, Colombia
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, ASMAIRE REXPIRA (Atención integral y rehabilitación en asma or Comprehensive Care and Rehabilitation in Asthma) Program, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Christian Taube
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Medical Center Essen-Ruhrlandklinik, Essen, Germany
| | - Luisa Brussino
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - David B. Price
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Optimum Patient Care Global, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre of Academic Primary Care, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Baseline FeNO Independently Predicts the Dupilumab Response in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Asthma. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 11:1213-1220.e2. [PMID: 36535524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND FeNO may have a role as both a prognostic and predictive biomarker in combination with eosinophils for assessing responsiveness to some biological therapies. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the value of baseline FeNO, adjusted for baseline blood eosinophil levels and other clinical characteristics, as an independent predictor of treatment response to dupilumab in patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma. METHODS We performed a post hoc analysis of LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST (NCT02414854), a phase 3, double-blind study in patients aged 12 years and older with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma, who received dupilumab 200 or 300 mg, or placebo every 2 weeks up to 52 weeks. We assessed the annualized event rate of severe exacerbations and least-squares mean change from baseline in prebronchodilator FEV1 at weeks 12 and 52 in relationship to baseline FeNO, adjusted for eosinophils and other clinical characteristics. RESULTS The annualized event rate increased with increasing baseline FeNO in placebo and decreased in dupilumab groups. The relative risk of severe exacerbations was 22·7%, 58·3%, and 69·3% lower for dupilumab versus placebo for the FeNO less than 25, 25 to less than 50, and 50 and greater parts per billion subgroups. The magnitude of FEV1 improvement increased with higher baseline FeNO for dupilumab and was consistent across the continuum of FeNO levels in placebo. Both findings were independent of blood eosinophil levels. Significant differences were observed between FeNO subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Increased baseline FeNO was associated with greater clinical effects in dupilumab versus placebo independently of eosinophil levels and other clinical characteristics.
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Holmes J, McGarvey LPA, Birring SS, Fletcher H, Heaney LG. An observational study to determine the relationship between cough frequency and markers of inflammation in severe asthma. Eur Respir J 2022; 60:2103205. [PMID: 35777770 PMCID: PMC10436754 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.03205-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between objectively measured cough and type 2 (T2) biomarkers and other measures of asthma control and severity is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between objective and subjective cough measurement tools and clinical biomarkers of asthma. METHODS Patients with severe asthma and mild-to-moderate asthma completed validated asthma and cough-related measurement tools (including ambulatory cough monitoring) and measurement of spirometry and T2 biomarkers (exhaled nitric oxide fraction (F ENO) and peripheral blood eosinophil count). Patients were classified according to T2 status based on T2-low (F ENO <20 ppb and peripheral blood eosinophils <150 cells·µL-1), T2-intermediate (F ENO ≥20 ppb or peripheral blood eosinophils ≥150 cells·µL-1) or T2-high (F ENO ≥20 ppb and peripheral blood eosinophils ≥150 cells·µL-1). RESULTS 61 patients completed the study measurements (42 severe asthma and 19 mild-to-moderate asthma). Patients with severe asthma had higher rates of cough than those with mild-to-moderate asthma in terms of total 24-h cough counts (geometric mean±sd 170.3±2.7 versus 60.8±4.1; p=0.002) and cough frequency (geometric mean±sd 7.1±2.7 versus 2.5±4.1 coughs·h-1; p=0.002). T2-low patients with severe asthma had significantly lower 24-h cough frequency compared with T2-intermediate and T2-high patients. CONCLUSIONS In patients with low biomarkers of T2 inflammation, cough frequency measurements were not elevated, suggesting that the mechanism for cough in asthma is underlying T2 eosinophilic inflammation and the logical first step for treating cough in asthma may be to achieve adequate suppression of T2 inflammation with currently available therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Holmes
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Surinder S Birring
- Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Hannah Fletcher
- Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Liam G Heaney
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Belfast, UK
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Caramori G, Nucera F, Mumby S, Lo Bello F, Adcock IM. Corticosteroid resistance in asthma: Cellular and molecular mechanisms. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 85:100969. [PMID: 34090658 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.100969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Inhaled glucocorticoids (GCs) are drugs widely used as treatment for asthma patients. They prevent the recruitment and activation of lung immune and inflammatory cells and, moreover, have profound effects on airway structural cells to reverse the effects of disease on airway inflammation. GCs bind to a specific receptor, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory gene transcription through a number of distinct and complementary mechanisms. Targets genes include many pro-inflammatory mediators such as chemokines, cytokines, growth factors and their receptors. Inhaled GCs are very effective for most asthma patients with little, if any, systemic side effects depending upon the dose. However, some patients show poor asthma control even after the administration of high doses of topical or even systemic GCs. Several mechanisms relating to inflammation have been considered to be responsible for the onset of the relative GC resistance observed in these patients. In these patients, the side-effect profile of GCs prevent continued use of high doses and new drugs are needed. Targeting the defective pathways associated with GC function in these patients may also reactivate GC responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Caramori
- Pneumologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università di Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Nucera
- Pneumologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Sharon Mumby
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Federica Lo Bello
- Pneumologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Ian M Adcock
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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Paucigranulocytic Asthma: Potential Pathogenetic Mechanisms, Clinical Features and Therapeutic Management. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050850. [PMID: 35629272 PMCID: PMC9145917 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation, in which several phenotypes have been described, related to the age of onset, symptoms, inflammatory characteristics and treatment response. The identification of the inflammatory phenotype in asthma is very useful, since it allows for both the recognition of the asthmatic triggering factor as well as the optimization of treatment The paucigranulocytic phenotype of asthma (PGA) is characterized by sputum eosinophil levels <1−3% and sputum neutrophil levels < 60%. The precise characteristics and the pathobiology of PGA are not fully understood, and, in some cases, it seems to represent a previous eosinophilic phenotype with a good response to anti-inflammatory treatment. However, many patients with PGA remain uncontrolled and experience asthmatic symptoms and exacerbations, irrespective of the low grade of airway inflammation. This observation leads to the hypothesis that PGA might also be either a special phenotype driven by different kinds of cells, such as macrophages or mast cells, or a non-inflammatory phenotype with a low grade of eosinophilic inflammation. In this review, we aim to describe the special characteristics of PGA and the potential therapeutic interventions that could be offered to these patients.
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Loewenthal L, Menzies-Gow A. FeNO in Asthma. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 43:635-645. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAsthma is a common disease affecting 350 million people worldwide, which is characterized by airways inflammation and hyperreactivity. Historically diagnosis and treatment have been mainly based on symptoms, which have the potential to result in misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Nitric oxide (NO) is exhaled in human breath and is a marker of airways inflammation. Levels of NO are increased in the exhaled breath of patients with type 2 asthma and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) provides an objective biomarker of airway inflammation. FeNO testing is an accessible, noninvasive, and easy-to-use test. Cut-off values have been established by the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) but vary between guidance. FeNO levels have been shown to be predictive of blood and sputum eosinophil levels but should not be used in isolation and current guidance emphasizes the importance of incorporating clinical symptoms and testing when utilizing FeNO results. The inclusion of FeNO testing can increase diagnostic accuracy of asthma, while high levels in asthmatic patients can help predict response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and suppression of levels with ICS to monitor adherence. FeNO levels are also a predictor of asthma risk with increased exacerbation rates and accelerated decline in lung function associated with high levels as well as having an emerging role in predicting response to some biologic therapies in severe asthma. FeNO testing is cost-effective and has been shown, when combined with clinical assessment, to improve asthma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Loewenthal
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Menzies-Gow
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
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8
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Runnstrom M, Pitner H, Xu J, Lee FEH, Kuruvilla M. Utilizing Predictive Inflammatory Markers for Guiding the Use of Biologicals in Severe Asthma. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:241-249. [PMID: 35068937 PMCID: PMC8769207 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s269297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation and airflow obstruction. Up to ten percent of asthmatics have severe asthma, and many remain uncontrolled despite optimal medical management. With our increased understanding of the heterogeneity of asthma and its complex pathophysiology, several biomarkers have been developed and in the recent past, several biologic therapies for severe asthma have been developed and are now in widespread use. Although these biological agents have shown great benefit in treating severe asthma, not all patients respond equally well, and some do not derive any benefit. As much of the current literature of these medications have not assessed biomarkers or have used different cutoffs, it is often challenging to decide the best medication for an individual patient. Here, we review common asthma subtypes, current available biologic therapies for asthma, the clinical application of currently available type 2 biomarkers, as well as summarizing the evidence on how patient characteristics and biomarkers can help with choosing the optimal biologic for a patient that has the highest likelihood of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Runnstrom
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hilary Pitner
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer Xu
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - F Eun-Hyung Lee
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Merin Kuruvilla
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Correspondence: Merin Kuruvilla Email
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9
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Busse WW, Wenzel SE, Casale TB, FitzGerald JM, Rice MS, Daizadeh N, Deniz Y, Patel N, Harel S, Rowe PJ, Graham NMH, O'Riordan T, Pavord ID. Baseline FeNO as a prognostic biomarker for subsequent severe asthma exacerbations in patients with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe asthma receiving placebo in the LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST study: a post-hoc analysis. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2021; 9:1165-1173. [PMID: 34181876 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(21)00124-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has potential as a prognostic biomarker in asthma, but its prognostic value among other recognised indicators is unclear. We assessed the added prognostic value of baseline FeNO to blood eosinophil count and prior severe asthma exacerbations for subsequent exacerbations. METHODS In this post-hoc analysis of the 52-week, double-blind, phase 3 LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST study, we identified 620 patients with moderate-to-severe asthma who were randomly assigned to placebo; had uncontrolled asthma with inhaled glucocorticoids plus up to two controllers; one or more exacerbations in the previous year; FEV1 percent predicted 40-80%; FEV1 reversibility of 12% or higher and 200 mL; Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5) score of 1·5 or higher; and complete data on baseline type 2 biomarkers (FeNO, eosinophils, and total IgE) with no baseline minimum requirement. Annualised severe exacerbation rate was assessed by baseline FeNO (<25 ppb, ≥25 to <50 ppb, ≥50 ppb; negative binomial model) and cross-classified by baseline blood eosinophils (<150 cells per μL, ≥150 to <300 cells per μL, ≥300 cells per μL) and prior exacerbations (one, two or more), all adjusted for baseline ACQ-5, postbronchodilator FEV1, and other clinical characteristics. Post-hoc analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. The LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST STUDY is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02414854, and is complete. FINDINGS Patients with baseline FeNO of 50 ppb or higher (n=144) had a 1·54-times higher exacerbation rate than patients with FeNO of less than 25 ppb (n=291; relative risk 1·54 [95% CI 1·11-2·14]; p=0·0097). Patients with baseline FeNO of 25 to <50 ppb (n=185) had a 1·33-times higher exacerbation rate than patients with FeNO of less than 25 ppb (1·33 [0·99-1·78]; p=0·0572). Patients with baseline FeNO of 25 ppb or higher, a blood eosinophil count of 150 cells per μL or higher, and two or more prior exacerbations (n=157) had an exacerbation rate 3·62-times higher than patients with FeNO of less than 25 ppb, a blood eosinophil count of less than 150 cells per μL, and one prior exacerbation (n=116; 3·62 [1·67-7·81]; p=0·0011). INTERPRETATION In uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe asthma, higher baseline FeNO levels were associated with greater risk of severe asthma exacerbations, particularly in combination with elevated eosinophil count and prior exacerbations, supporting the added value of FeNO as a prognostic biomarker. Further research is needed to confirm FeNO as an independent predictor for asthma exacerbations. FUNDING Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W Busse
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Sally E Wenzel
- Asthma Institute at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Thomas B Casale
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yamo Deniz
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | | | - Sivan Harel
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ian D Pavord
- National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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10
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Frøssing L, Silberbrandt A, Von Bülow A, Kjaersgaard Klein D, Ross Christensen M, Backer V, Baines KJ, Porsbjerg C. Airway gene expression identifies subtypes of type 2 inflammation in severe asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2021; 52:59-69. [PMID: 34142396 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 inflammation is characterized by enhanced activity of interleukin (IL)-4, -5 and -13, and treatments targeting these pathways are available for treatment of severe asthma. At present, the pattern of pathway activity and the implications overlapping of pathway activity are unknown. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that clustering of airway mRNA expression would identify distinct molecular subtypes of severe asthma and thereby uncover the prevalence and overlap of pathway activity. METHODS Sputum mRNA expression of genes related to expression of IL-5(CLC, CPA3 and DNASE1L3), IL-13(IL13Ra1, TNFSF14 and SERPINB2), T1/Th17 activity(IL1B, ALPL and CXCR2) and in vitro response to corticosteroids (FKBP512) and mepolizumab (ARAP3) was analysed in patients (n = 109) with severe asthma and healthy controls (n = 22). A cluster analysis of gene expression was performed. The response to a short course of OCS was assessed in a subset of patients (n = 29). RESULTS Five molecular clusters were identified. Three had abundant T2 gene expression of which two (n = 39 and n = 9) were characterized by abundant expression of both IL-13- and IL-5-related genes. The last (n = 6) had only abundant IL-5-related gene expression. These T2-high molecular clusters could not be distinguished using T2 biomarkers. T2- and Th1/Th17-related mRNA expression were co-expressed across all clusters. OCS significantly reduced T2 gene expression (CLC, IL13Ra1, SERPINB2 and ARAP3) and significantly increase expression of Th1/Th17-related genes (ALPL and CXCR2). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Clustering of airway mRNA expression identified five molecular clusters of severe asthma of which three were considered T2 high. Co-expression of IL-5- and IL-13-related genes at moderate levels was present in almost half of patients, while marked elevated expression of both was rare. In contrast to IL-5, clusters with isolated IL-13- and Th1/Th17-related gene expression were not identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurits Frøssing
- Respiratory Research Unit, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Center for Translational Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexander Silberbrandt
- Respiratory Research Unit, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Center for Translational Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Von Bülow
- Respiratory Research Unit, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ditte Kjaersgaard Klein
- Respiratory Research Unit, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Center for Translational Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marcus Ross Christensen
- Respiratory Research Unit, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Backer
- Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katherine J Baines
- The Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Celeste Porsbjerg
- Respiratory Research Unit, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Center for Translational Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Amaral R, Jacinto T, Malinovschi A, Janson C, Price D, Fonseca JA, Alving K. The influence of individual characteristics and non-respiratory diseases on blood eosinophil count. Clin Transl Allergy 2021; 11:e12036. [PMID: 34123365 PMCID: PMC8175041 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blood eosinophil (B-Eos) count is an emerging biomarker in the management of respiratory disease but determinants of B-Eos count besides respiratory disease are poorly described. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the influence of non-respiratory diseases on B-Eos count, in comparison to the effect on two other biomarkers: fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and to identify individual characteristics associated with B-Eos count in healthy controls. Methods Children/adolescents (<18 years) and adults with complete B-Eos data from the US National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys 2005-2016 were included, and they were divided into having respiratory diseases (n = 3333 and n = 7,894, respectively) or not having respiratory disease (n = 8944 and n = 15,010, respectively). After excluding any respiratory disease, the association between B-Eos count, FeNO or CRP, and non-respiratory diseases was analyzed in multivariate models and multicollinearity was tested. After excluding also non-respiratory diseases independently associated with B-Eos count (giving healthy controls; 8944 children/adolescents and 5667 adults), the independent association between individual characteristics and B-Eos count was analyzed. Results In adults, metabolic syndrome, heart disease or stroke was independently associated with higher B-Eos count (12%, 13%, and 15%, respectively), whereas no associations were found with FeNO or CRP. In healthy controls, male sex or being obese was associated with higher B-Eos counts, both in children/adolescents (15% and 3% higher, respectively) and adults (14% and 19% higher, respectively) (p < 0.01 all). A significant influence of race/ethnicity was also noted, and current smokers had 17% higher B-Eos count than never smokers (p < 0.001). Conclusions Non-respiratory diseases influence B-Eos count but not FeNO or CRP. Male sex, obesity, certain races/ethnicities, and current smoking are individual characteristics or exposures that are associated with higher B-Eos counts. All these factors should be considered when using B-Eos count in the management of respiratory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Amaral
- CINTESIS-Center for Health Technology and Services Research Faculty of Medicine University of Porto Porto Portugal.,Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences Porto Health School Polytechnic Institute of Porto Porto Portugal.,Department of Women's and Children's Health Paediatric Research Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden.,MEDCIDS- Department of Community Medicine, Information, and Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Tiago Jacinto
- CINTESIS-Center for Health Technology and Services Research Faculty of Medicine University of Porto Porto Portugal.,Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences Porto Health School Polytechnic Institute of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Andrei Malinovschi
- Department of Medical Sciences Clinical Physiology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - Christer Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - David Price
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute Singapore Singapore.,Division of Applied Health Sciences Centre of Academic Primary Care University of Aberdeen Aberdeen UK
| | - João A Fonseca
- CINTESIS-Center for Health Technology and Services Research Faculty of Medicine University of Porto Porto Portugal.,MEDCIDS- Department of Community Medicine, Information, and Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Kjell Alving
- Department of Women's and Children's Health Paediatric Research Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
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12
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Lamb D, De Sousa D, Quast K, Fundel-Clemens K, Erjefält JS, Sandén C, Hoffmann HJ, Kästle M, Schmid R, Menden K, Delic D. RORγt inhibitors block both IL-17 and IL-22 conferring a potential advantage over anti-IL-17 alone to treat severe asthma. Respir Res 2021; 22:158. [PMID: 34022896 PMCID: PMC8141258 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01743-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RORγt is a transcription factor that enables elaboration of Th17-associated cytokines (including IL-17 and IL-22) and is proposed as a pharmacological target for severe asthma. METHODS IL-17 immunohistochemistry was performed in severe asthma bronchial biopsies (specificity confirmed with in situ hybridization). Primary human small airway epithelial cells in air liquid interface and primary bronchial smooth muscle cells were stimulated with recombinant human IL-17 and/or IL-22 and pro-inflammatory cytokines measured. Balb/c mice were challenged intratracheally with IL-17 and/or IL-22 and airway hyperreactivity, pro-inflammatory cytokines and airway neutrophilia measured. Balb/c mice were sensitized intraperitoneally and challenged intratracheally with house dust mite extract and the effect of either a RORγt inhibitor (BIX119) or an anti-IL-11 antibody assessed on airway hyperreactivity, pro-inflammatory cytokines and airway neutrophilia measured. RESULTS We confirmed in severe asthma bronchial biopsies both the presence of IL-17-positive lymphocytes and that an IL-17 transcriptome profile in a severe asthma patient sub-population. Both IL-17 and IL-22 stimulated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine release from primary human lung cells and in mice. Furthermore, IL-22 in combination with IL-17, but neither alone, elicits airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in naïve mice. A RORγt inhibitor specifically blocked both IL-17 and IL-22, AHR and neutrophilia in a mouse house dust mite model unlike other registered or advanced pipeline modes of action. Full efficacy versus these parameters was associated with 90% inhibition of IL-17 and 50% inhibition of IL-22. In contrast, anti-IL-17 also blocked IL-17, but not IL-22, AHR or neutrophilia. Moreover, the deregulated genes in the lungs from these mice correlated well with deregulated genes from severe asthma biopsies suggesting that this model recapitulates significant severe asthma-relevant biology. Furthermore, these genes were reversed upon RORγt inhibition in the HDM model. Cell deconvolution suggested that the responsible cells were corticosteroid insensitive γδ-T-cells. CONCLUSION These data strongly suggest that both IL-17 and IL-22 are required for Th2-low endotype associated biology and that a RORγt inhibitor may provide improved clinical benefit in a severe asthma sub-population of patients by blocking both IL-17 and IL-22 biology compared with blocking IL-17 alone.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Animals
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents/pharmacology
- Asthma/drug therapy
- Asthma/immunology
- Asthma/metabolism
- Asthma/physiopathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epithelial Cells/drug effects
- Epithelial Cells/immunology
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Female
- Humans
- Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Interleukins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Interleukins/metabolism
- Lung/drug effects
- Lung/immunology
- Lung/metabolism
- Lung/physiopathology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Middle Aged
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/immunology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/metabolism
- Pyroglyphidae/immunology
- Signal Transduction
- Th17 Cells/drug effects
- Th17 Cells/immunology
- Th17 Cells/metabolism
- Young Adult
- Interleukin-22
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lamb
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany.
| | | | - Karsten Quast
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
| | - Katrin Fundel-Clemens
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Marc Kästle
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
| | - Ramona Schmid
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
| | - Kevin Menden
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
| | - Denis Delic
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
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13
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Pavord ID, Corren J. Biomarkers of Type 2 Airway Inflammation in Airway Disease: And Then There Were Two. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 8:2640-2642. [PMID: 32888530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian D Pavord
- Respiratory Medicine Unit and Oxford Respiratory NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Jonathan Corren
- Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, Calif
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14
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Shaw DE, Heaney LG, Thomas M, Beasley R, Gibson PG, Pavord ID. Balancing the needs of the many and the few: where next for adult asthma guidelines? THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2021; 9:786-794. [PMID: 33639099 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(21)00021-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Asthma differs from many other chronic conditions in that most key management decisions are made in non-specialist settings, such as general practitioner surgeries and accident and emergency departments. Diagnosis in primary care relies on recognition of a characteristic pattern of symptoms and the occurrence of asthma attacks, sometimes supplemented by basic lung function tests. Ongoing management is guided by the assessment of symptoms and simple lung function measures of airflow obstruction, with little attempt made to personalise management. This approach is flawed because the inadequate specificity of symptoms, as well as the low sensitivity of variable airflow obstruction, means that a diagnosis of asthma is often difficult to exclude with confidence. Moreover, even if diagnosed correctly, dissociation between inflammation, airflow obstruction, and symptoms means that a generalised stepwise approach to managing asthma on the basis of symptoms is unlikely to be successful in a substantial proportion of patients. As a result, effective treatments are used inefficiently, and outcomes are often worse than they could be. Rather than use of either a population-based or personalised approach for the diagnosis and management of asthma, we recommend a new combined approach, in which treatment decisions are driven by objective assessment of key treatable mechanistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominick E Shaw
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Division of Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Liam G Heaney
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Mike Thomas
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Richard Beasley
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Peter G Gibson
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian D Pavord
- Oxford Respiratory NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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15
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Stewart J, Kee F, Hart N. Using routinely collected primary care records to identify and investigate severe asthma: a scoping review. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2021; 31:1. [PMID: 33500422 PMCID: PMC7838272 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-020-00213-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Shielding during the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the potential of routinely collected primary care records to identify patients with 'high-risk' conditions, including severe asthma. We aimed to determine how previous studies have used primary care records to identify and investigate severe asthma and whether linkage to other data sources is required to fully investigate this 'high-risk' disease variant. A scoping review was conducted based on the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Twelve studies met all criteria for inclusion. We identified variation in how studies defined the background asthma cohort, asthma severity, control and clinical outcomes. Certain asthma outcomes could only be investigated through linkage to secondary care records. The ability of primary care records to represent the entire known asthma population is unique. However, a number of challenges need to be overcome if their full potential to accurately identify and investigate severe asthma is to be realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Stewart
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Science, Block A, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, BT12 6BA, UK.
| | - Frank Kee
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Science, Block A, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Nigel Hart
- Centre for Medical Education, Queen's University Belfast, Whitla Medical Building, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
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16
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Juárez-López D, Schcolnik-Cabrera A. Drug Repurposing: Considerations to Surpass While Re-directing Old Compounds for New Treatments. Arch Med Res 2020; 52:243-251. [PMID: 33190955 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2020.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Drug repurposing has increased in recent years as an attractive option for treating a number of diseases. Compared to those brought forward via traditional chemical development, drugs intended for repurposing can enter the market faster and with lower investment from pharmaceutical companies. However, a common trend is to focus on diseases that yield higher returns to the industry, such as cancer and common metabolic and inflammatory conditions, resulting in orphan illnesses and neglected tropical diseases having fewer repurposing options for affected patients. In addition, certain legal concerns, including limited patent coverage for the repurposed drugs and pharmacological challenges in performing clinical trials, reduce the likelihood of success. In this review, we discuss the most important concerns that affect the pathway of drug repurposing, with special emphasis on the economic revenues, government-industry associations, and legal considerations that together impact the pharmaceutical industry's decision-making on which compounds may be eligible for repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Juárez-López
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alejandro Schcolnik-Cabrera
- Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, Canada; Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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17
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Pavord ID. Blood Eosinophil-directed Management of Airway Disease. The Past, Present, and Future. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 202:637-639. [PMID: 32356667 PMCID: PMC7462396 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202004-1013ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ian D Pavord
- Nuffield Department of Medicine and.,Oxford Respiratory NIHR Biomedical Research Center University of Oxford Oxford, United Kingdom
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18
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Canonica GW, Blasi F, Paggiaro P, Senna G, Passalacqua G, Spanevello A, Aliberti S, Bagnasco D, Bonavia M, Bonini M, Brussino L, Bucca C, Caiaffa MF, Calabrese C, Camiciottoli G, Caminati M, Carpagnano GE, Caruso C, Centanni S, Conte ME, Corsico AG, Cosmi L, Costantino MT, Crimi N, D’Alò S, D'Amato M, Del Giacco S, Farsi A, Favero E, Foschino Barbaro MP, Guarnieri G, Guida G, Latorre M, Lo Cicero S, Lombardi C, Macchia L, Mazza F, Menzella F, Milanese M, Montagni M, Montuschi P, Nucera E, Parente R, Patella V, Pelaia G, Pini L, Puggioni F, Ricciardi L, Ricciardolo FL, Richeldi L, Ridolo E, Rolla G, Santus P, Scichilone N, Spadaro G, Vianello A, Viviano V, Yacoub MR, Zappa MC, Heffler E. Oral CorticoSteroid sparing with biologics in severe asthma: A remark of the Severe Asthma Network in Italy ( SANI). World Allergy Organ J 2020; 13:100464. [PMID: 32999699 PMCID: PMC7509464 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2020.100464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the data derived from several national and international registries, including SANI (Severe Asthma Network Italy), and considering the strong impact that frequent or regular use of oral corticosteroid has on quality of life (QoL) of severe asthmatics, as well as on the costs for managing corticosteroid-related diseases, oral corticosteroid sparing up to withdrawal should be considered a primary outcome in the management of severe asthma. New biologics have clearly demonstrated that this effect is possible, with concomitant reduction in the rate of exacerbations and in symptom control. Then, there is no reason for using so frequently oral corticosteroid before having explored all alternatives currently available for a large part of severe asthmatics.
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Key Words
- Biologics
- CRSwNP, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
- EMA, European Medicines Agency
- FDA, Food & Drug Administration
- FEV1, forced expiratory volume in the 1st second
- GINA, Global Initiative for Asthma
- GRADE, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation
- ISAR, International Severe Asthma Registry
- OCSs, Oral CorticoSteroids
- Oral corticosteroids
- RW, Real World
- Real-life
- Registr
- SA, severe asthma
- SANI, Severe Asthma Network in Italy
- SARP, Severe Asthma Research Program
- SHARP, Severe Heterogeneous Asthma Research collaboration, Patient-centred
- Severe asthma
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Walter Canonica
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma & Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele (MI), Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- Respiratory Unit and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, And Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Paggiaro
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Molecular Biology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianenrico Senna
- Department of Medicine, Allergy Unit Asthma Center, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Passalacqua
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Aliberti
- Respiratory Unit and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, And Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Bagnasco
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Bonini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS Catholic University of Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Brussino
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Turin & AO Mauriziano, Turin, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Caterina Bucca
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Turin & AO Mauriziano, Turin, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Maria F. Caiaffa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Surgery, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Calabrese
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianna Camiciottoli
- Deptartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Respiratory Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Caminati
- Department of Medicine, Allergy Unit Asthma Center, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanna E. Carpagnano
- Respiratory Medicine Section, Policlinico of Bari, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Cristiano Caruso
- Allergy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Centanni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Respiratory Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria E. Conte
- Respiratory Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero of Pordenone, Italy
| | - Angelo G. Corsico
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Foundation and Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cosmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria T. Costantino
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, “Carlo Poma” Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Division of Pneumology and Allergology, Policlinico, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Simona D’Alò
- Allergology Unit, AV3 ASUR Marche, Hospital Civitanova Marche, Macerata, Italy
| | - Maria D'Amato
- Respiratory Department, Division of Respiratory Diseases “Federico II” University, AO Dei Colli, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Farsi
- SOS of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Favero
- Severe Asthma Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic, Vittorio Veneto Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Maria P. Foschino Barbaro
- Section of Respiratory Diseases, Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Gabriella Guarnieri
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Guida
- Allergy and Pneumology Unit, A.O. S. Croce & Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Manuela Latorre
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Molecular Biology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Lombardi
- Departmental Unit of Allergology and Pneumology, Hospital Institute Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luigi Macchia
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Menzella
- Pneumology Unit, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Azienda USL di Reggio Emilia IRCCS, Italy
| | - Manlio Milanese
- Pulmonology Unit, ASL2 Savonese, Pietra Ligure, Savona, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Montuschi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Catholic, University of the Sacred Heart Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Nucera
- Catholic University S. Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Parente
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Patella
- Allergology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medical Science, “Santa Maria Della Speranza” Hospital of Battipaglia, Salerno, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Laura Pini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Puggioni
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma & Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele (MI), Italy
| | - Luisa Ricciardi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, University Hospital “G. Martino”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Fabio L.M. Ricciardolo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Richeldi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS Catholic University of Rome, Italy
| | - Erminia Ridolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rolla
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Turin & AO Mauriziano, Turin, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Pierachille Santus
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Milan, Respiratory Diseases, Sacco University Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Scichilone
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant. Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (Promise) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spadaro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Vianello
- Division of Respiratory Pathophysiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Vittorio Viviano
- Allergology, Pneumology and Respiratory Department 42 PTA Biondo-Regional Center for Allergy Prevention and Anaphylactic Shock, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mona R. Yacoub
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria C. Zappa
- Pulmonology Department, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma & Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele (MI), Italy
| | - SANI (Severe Asthma Network Italy)
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma & Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele (MI), Italy
- Respiratory Unit and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, And Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Molecular Biology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Allergy Unit Asthma Center, University of Verona, Italy
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Italy
- University of Insubria, ICS Maugeri, IRCCS, Varese, Italy
- Respiratory Rehabilitation, ASL3, Genoa, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS Catholic University of Rome, Italy
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Turin & AO Mauriziano, Turin, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Surgery, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Foggia, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- Deptartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Respiratory Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Section, Policlinico of Bari, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Allergy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Respiratory Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- Respiratory Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero of Pordenone, Italy
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Foundation and Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, “Carlo Poma” Hospital, Mantova, Italy
- Division of Pneumology and Allergology, Policlinico, University of Catania, Italy
- Allergology Unit, AV3 ASUR Marche, Hospital Civitanova Marche, Macerata, Italy
- Respiratory Department, Division of Respiratory Diseases “Federico II” University, AO Dei Colli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
- SOS of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
- Severe Asthma Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic, Vittorio Veneto Hospital, Treviso, Italy
- Section of Respiratory Diseases, Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, University of Foggia, Italy
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
- Allergy and Pneumology Unit, A.O. S. Croce & Carle, Cuneo, Italy
- Department of Pneumology, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Departmental Unit of Allergology and Pneumology, Hospital Institute Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Pneumology Unit, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Azienda USL di Reggio Emilia IRCCS, Italy
- Pulmonology Unit, ASL2 Savonese, Pietra Ligure, Savona, Italy
- UOC Allergology Department, Piacenza, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Catholic, University of the Sacred Heart Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Catholic University S. Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Salerno, Italy
- Allergology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medical Science, “Santa Maria Della Speranza” Hospital of Battipaglia, Salerno, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, University Hospital “G. Martino”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Milan, Respiratory Diseases, Sacco University Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant. Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (Promise) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Division of Respiratory Pathophysiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
- Allergology, Pneumology and Respiratory Department 42 PTA Biondo-Regional Center for Allergy Prevention and Anaphylactic Shock, Palermo, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Pulmonology Department, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
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19
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Heaney LG, Busby J, Hanratty CE, Djukanovic R, Woodcock A, Walker SM, Hardman TC, Arron JR, Choy DF, Bradding P, Brightling CE, Chaudhuri R, Cowan DC, Mansur AH, Fowler SJ, Niven RM, Howarth PH, Lordan JL, Menzies-Gow A, Harrison TW, Robinson DS, Holweg CTJ, Matthews JG, Pavord ID. Composite type-2 biomarker strategy versus a symptom-risk-based algorithm to adjust corticosteroid dose in patients with severe asthma: a multicentre, single-blind, parallel group, randomised controlled trial. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2020; 9:57-68. [PMID: 32916135 PMCID: PMC7783382 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(20)30397-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma treatment guidelines recommend increasing corticosteroid dose to control symptoms and reduce exacerbations. This approach is potentially flawed because symptomatic asthma can occur without corticosteroid responsive type-2 (T2)-driven eosinophilic inflammation, and inappropriately high-dose corticosteroid treatment might have little therapeutic benefit with increased risk of side-effects. We compared a biomarker strategy to adjust corticosteroid dose using a composite score of T2 biomarkers (fractional exhaled nitric oxide [FENO], blood eosinophils, and serum periostin) with a standardised symptom-risk-based algorithm (control). METHODS We did a single-blind, parallel group, randomised controlled trial in adults (18-80 years of age) with severe asthma (at treatment steps 4 and 5 of the Global Initiative for Asthma) and FENO of less than 45 parts per billion at 12 specialist severe asthma centres across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Patients were randomly assigned (4:1) to either the biomarker strategy group or the control group by an online electronic case-report form, in blocks of ten, stratified by asthma control and use of rescue systemic steroids in the previous year. Patients were masked to study group allocation throughout the entirety of the study. Patients attended clinic every 8 weeks, with treatment adjustment following automated treatment-group-specific algorithms: those in the biomarker strategy group received a default advisory to maintain treatment and those in the control group had their treatment adjusted according to the steps indicated by the trial algorithm. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with corticosteroid dose reduction at week 48, in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Secondary outcomes were inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose at the end of the study; cumulative dose of ICS during the study; proportion of patients on maintenance oral corticosteroids (OCS) at study end; rate of protocol-defined severe exacerbations per patient year; time to first severe exacerbation; number of hospital admissions for asthma; changes in lung function, Asthma Control Questionnaire-7 score, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score, and T2 biomarkers from baseline to week 48; and whether patients declined to progress to OCS. A secondary aim of our study was to establish the proportion of patients with severe asthma in whom T2 biomarkers remained low when corticosteroid therapy was decreased to a minimum ICS dose. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02717689 and has been completed. FINDINGS Patients were recruited from Jan 8, 2016, to July 12, 2018. Of 549 patients assessed, 301 patients were included in the ITT population and were randomly assigned to the biomarker strategy group (n=240) or to the control group (n=61). 28·4% of patients in the biomarker strategy group were on a lower corticosteroid dose at week 48 compared with 18·5% of patients in the control group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1·71 [95% CI 0·80-3·63]; p=0·17). In the per-protocol (PP) population (n=121), a significantly greater proportion of patients were on a lower corticosteroid dose at week 48 in the biomarker strategy group (30·7% of patients) compared with the control group (5·0% of patients; aOR 11·48 [95% CI 1·35-97·83]; p=0·026). Patient choice to not follow treatment advice was the principle reason for loss to PP analysis. There was no difference in secondary outcomes between study groups and no loss of asthma control among patients in the biomarker strategy group who reduced their corticosteroid dose. INTERPRETATION Biomarker-based corticosteroid adjustment did not result in a greater proportion of patients reducing corticosteroid dose versus control. Understanding the reasons for patients not following treatment advice in both treatment strategies is an important area for future research. The prevalence of T2 biomarker-low severe asthma was low. FUNDING This study was funded, in part, by the Medical Research Council UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam G Heaney
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK.
| | - John Busby
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Catherine E Hanratty
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Ratko Djukanovic
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Ashley Woodcock
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Bradding
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health and Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Christopher E Brightling
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health and Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Rekha Chaudhuri
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, Gartnavel Hospital, and University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Douglas C Cowan
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Adel H Mansur
- University of Birmingham and Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stephen J Fowler
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Robert M Niven
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter H Howarth
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - James L Lordan
- The Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Tim W Harrison
- Nottingham Respiratory NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ian D Pavord
- Oxford Respiratory NIHR BRC, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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20
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Beasley R, Braithwaite I, Semprini A, Kearns C, Weatherall M, Pavord ID. Optimal Asthma Control: Time for a New Target. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 201:1480-1487. [PMID: 31905013 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201910-1934ci] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The stepwise approach to pharmacological treatment in adult asthma mandates that asthma treatment is progressively stepped up to achieve symptom control and reduce the risk of exacerbations and stepped down after a period of prolonged control. This review proposes that in adults without good asthma control, well-controlled asthma can only be achieved in approximately 70% of patients across the strata of severity, and only if there is a progressive increase in inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2 agonist therapy to a maintenance inhaled corticosteroid dose that causes the same magnitude of systemic side effects as oral prednisone at a 5-mg daily dose. Another consideration is that in a person with asthma, there are numerous overlapping disorders that can present with symptoms indistinguishable from asthma, comorbidities that contribute to poor control and lifestyle/environmental factors that require treatment in their own right and that if specifically managed might lead to better outcomes. The disparity between patients' perceptions and guideline assessment of control may be due to partially controlled asthma being associated with near-maximal levels of quality of life, with minimal impairment. Finally, it is widely assumed that asthma symptom control equates to elimination of risk of asthma attacks, an assumption that may not apply to many patients, particularly those with more severe asthma. We propose that further research be undertaken to determine the optimal levels of asthma control and the potential value of different treatment targets, such as control of type-2 airway inflammation, that can be achieved with currently available treatment, based on efficacy, side effects, and cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Beasley
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand.,Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.,Capital & Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Alex Semprini
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ciléin Kearns
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mark Weatherall
- Capital & Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand.,University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand; and
| | - Ian D Pavord
- Oxford Respiratory National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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21
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Hoshino M, Akitsu K, Kubota K, Ohtawa J. Association between biomarkers and house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy in allergic asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2020; 50:1035-1043. [PMID: 32557974 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND House dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials of patients with asthma. Airway inflammation is a characteristic of respiratory allergy, but its relationship to SLIT remains unclear. OBJECTIVE We evaluate the association between clinical outcomes with pulmonary function and biomarkers in before and after HDM SLIT (UMIN Number 000022390). METHODS One hundred twelve patients with asthma sensitized to HDM were randomized to add-on 6 standardized quality (SQ)-HDM SLIT to pharmacotherapy or pharmacotherapy alone for 48 weeks. At baseline and end of study, biomarkers, blood eosinophils, serum IgE, serum periostin, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and spirometry and clinical symptoms were measured. Association between biomarkers and an increase in FEV1 of 120 mL or greater were analysed. RESULTS Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) demonstrated a significant reduction of serum periostin (P < .001), FeNO (P < .01), and increase in HDM-specific IgE (P < .05), FEV1 (P < .001) and improvement of clinical symptom scores, when compared to pharmacotherapy. The change in FEV1 correlated with the changes in serum periostin (r = .696, P < .001) and the changes in FeNO (r = .682, P < .001). The independent predictor of improvement in airflow limitation was changed in serum periostin (r2 = .753, P = .013) and FeNO (P = .038). Based on cut-off values derived by receiver operating characteristic analysis (periostin 30.9 ng/mL, FeNO 28.0 ppb), patients were distinguished responders from non-responders, but with no predictive value for blood eosinophils or total IgE. The proportion of patients with both high periostin and FeNO levels was significantly higher in responder than in non-responder (P = .026). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Adding HDM SLIT to pharmacotherapy resulted in reduced serum periostin and FeNO, and improved pulmonary function. Serum periostin and FeNO may be useful biomarkers for prediction of SLIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Hoshino
- Division of Clinical Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Atami Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami, Japan
| | - Kenta Akitsu
- Department of Radiology, Atami Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami, Japan
| | - Kengo Kubota
- Department of Radiology, Atami Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami, Japan
| | - Junichi Ohtawa
- Department of Radiology, Atami Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami, Japan
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22
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Ramsahai JM, Simpson JL, Heaney L, Gallagher N, Wark PA. A survey of specialist opinions on biomarker use in severe asthma in Australia: scepticism but hope? ERJ Open Res 2020; 6:00113-2020. [PMID: 32494574 PMCID: PMC7248347 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00113-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma specialists are interested in adopting biomarkers into clinical practice, but more work needs to be done to support resources towards their use and provide clearer direction on this. This concern is not limited to European specialists. https://bit.ly/2WWEQXb.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Michael Ramsahai
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Dept of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Jodie L. Simpson
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Liam Heaney
- Queens University, Wellcome–Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Belfast, UK
| | - Nicola Gallagher
- Queens University, Wellcome–Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Belfast, UK
| | - Peter A.B. Wark
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
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23
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Menzies-Gow A, Mansur AH, Brightling CE. Clinical utility of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in severe asthma management. Eur Respir J 2020; 55:13993003.01633-2019. [PMID: 31949116 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01633-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, affecting over 350 million people worldwide and placing a significant burden on healthcare providers and wider society. Approximately 5-10% of asthma patients are diagnosed with severe asthma and typically are associated with increased risk of hospitalisation from exacerbations, increased morbidity, mortality and higher asthma-associated healthcare costs. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of immune responses and is a product of inflammation in the airways that is over-produced in asthma. Fractional exhaled NO (F eNO) is predominantly used as a predictor of response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), to monitor adherence and as a diagnostic tool in ICS-naïve patients. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend the use of F eNO for the initial diagnosis of patients with suspected asthma. In the USA, American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines recommend F eNO as part of the initial diagnosis of asthma and for monitoring of airway inflammation. F eNO has also been shown to be a predictive factor for asthma exacerbations, with higher levels being associated with a greater number of exacerbations. In addition, higher levels of F eNO have been shown to be associated with a decline in lung function. F eNO testing is a cost-effective procedure and has been shown to improve patient management when combined with standard assessment methods. Recent evidence suggests that F eNO may also be useful as a surrogate biomarker for the assessment and management of severe asthma and to predict responsiveness to some biological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adel H Mansur
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christopher E Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Dept of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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24
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Shrimanker R, Keene O, Hynes G, Wenzel S, Yancey S, Pavord ID. Prognostic and Predictive Value of Blood Eosinophil Count, Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide, and Their Combination in Severe Asthma: A Post Hoc Analysis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 200:1308-1312. [PMID: 31298922 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201903-0599le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sally Wenzel
- University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburgh, Pennsylvaniaand
| | - Steven Yancey
- GlaxoSmithKlineResearch Triangle Park, North Carolina
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25
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Pavord ID, Holliday M, Reddel HK, Braithwaite I, Ebmeier S, Hancox RJ, Harrison T, Houghton C, Oldfield K, Papi A, Williams M, Weatherall M, Beasley R. Predictive value of blood eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide in adults with mild asthma: a prespecified subgroup analysis of an open-label, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2020; 8:671-680. [PMID: 32171064 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(20)30053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether blood eosinophil counts and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) are associated with important outcomes in mild asthma is unclear. In this prespecified subgroup analysis of a previously published open-label clinical trial, we aimed to assess associations between blood eosinophil counts and FeNO with outcomes and response to asthma treatment. METHODS In the previously reported 52-week, open-label, randomised controlled trial, people with mild asthma receiving only β agonist reliever inhalers were enrolled at one of 16 clinical trials units in New Zealand, the UK, Italy, or Australia. Eligible participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1, stratified by country), to receive inhalers to take as-needed salbutamol (two inhalations of 100 μg in a pressurised metered dose inhaler), maintenance budesonide (200 μg twice per day by inhaler) plus as-needed salbutamol (two inhalations of 100 μg), or as-needed budesonide-formoterol (one inhalation of 200 μg budesonide and 6μg formoterol by inhaler). The primary outcome was the annual rates of asthma exacerbations per patient, and in this prespecified subgroup analysis, we assessed whether annual exacerbation rates in each treatment group were significantly different depending on levels of blood eosinophil count, FeNO, or a composite score of both. Analyses were done for patients with available biomarker measurements The study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, number ACTRN12615000999538. FINDINGS 675 participants were enrolled between March 17, 2016, and Aug 29, 2017, of whom 656 had results for blood eosinophil analysis and 668 had results for FeNO. Of the patients who received as-needed salbutamol, the proportion of patients having a severe exacerbation increased progressively with increasing blood eosinophil count (two [4%] of 49 participants with <0·15 × 109/L, six [6%] of 93 with 0·15 to <0·3 × 109/L, and 15 [19%] of 77 with ≥0·3 × 109/L; p=0·014). There were no significant interactions between blood eosinophil count or FeNO level and the effect of as-needed budesonide-formoterol compared with as-needed salbutamol for either exacerbations or severe exacerbations. However, there were significant interactions between blood eosinophil count subgroups and the effect of maintenance budesonide plus as-needed salbutamol compared with as-needed salbutamol, both for exacerbations (p=0·0006) and severe exacerbations (p=0·0007). Maintenance budesonide plus as-needed salbutamol was more effective than as-needed salbutamol in patients with blood eosinophil counts of 0·3 × 109/L or more, both for exacerbations (rate ratio 0·13 [95% CI 0·05-0·33]) and severe exacerbations (risk odds ratio 0·11 [0·03-0·45]). This difference was not seen for blood eosinophil counts of less than 0·15 × 109/L (1·15 [0·51-1·28] for exacerbations and 5·72 [0·97-33·60] for severe exacerbations). There was no consistent interaction between treatment response and FeNO or the composite score. INTERPRETATION In patients with mild asthma, the effects of as-needed budesonide-formoterol on exacerbations are independent of biomarker profile, whereas the benefits of maintenance inhaled budesonide are greater in patients with high blood eosinophil counts than in patients with low counts. FUNDING AstraZeneca, Health Research Council of New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian D Pavord
- Oxford Respiratory National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Mark Holliday
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Helen K Reddel
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Stefan Ebmeier
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Robert J Hancox
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand; Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tim Harrison
- Nottingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Claire Houghton
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Karen Oldfield
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alberto Papi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mathew Williams
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Richard Beasley
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand; Capital and Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
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26
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McDowell PJ, Heaney LG. Different endotypes and phenotypes drive the heterogeneity in severe asthma. Allergy 2020; 75:302-310. [PMID: 31267562 DOI: 10.1111/all.13966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The identification of sputum eosinophilia indicating corticosteroid responsiveness in subjects with severe asthma heralded the beginning of phenotyping asthmatic subjects based on airways inflammation. Since then, the heterogeneity of severe asthma has been explored and the importance of immunobiology has come sharply into focus with the identification of the key type-2 cytokine pathways driving eosinophilic inflammation. The development of molecules targeting these type-2 pathways has transformed severe asthma treatment, but necessitates robust clinical evaluation, biomarker profiling and assessment of comorbid factors to identify subjects most likely to benefit from these therapies. It has also become clear that targeting these pathways does not eradicate asthma symptoms and exacerbation risk; further work is needed to clarify underlying non-type-2 mechanisms in severe asthma pathways and possible therapeutic targets. This review addresses progress to date in clinical assessment and management of severe asthma and some of the challenges and unmet needs in severe asthma to achieve the goal of delivering individualized patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Jane McDowell
- Centre for Experimental Medicine Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | - Liam G. Heaney
- Centre for Experimental Medicine Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
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27
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Siddiqui S, Denlinger LC, Fowler SJ, Akuthota P, Shaw DE, Heaney LG, Brown L, Castro M, Winders TA, Kraft M, Wagers S, Peters MC, Pavord ID, Walker S, Jarjour NN. Unmet Needs in Severe Asthma Subtyping and Precision Medicine Trials. Bridging Clinical and Patient Perspectives. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 199:823-829. [PMID: 30726120 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201809-1817pp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Salman Siddiqui
- 1 National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Respiratory Biomedical Research Centre, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Loren C Denlinger
- 2 Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Stephen J Fowler
- 3 Division of Infection, Immunity, and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Praveen Akuthota
- 4 Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Dominick E Shaw
- 5 NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Liam G Heaney
- 6 Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Brown
- 7 Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mario Castro
- 8 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Tonya A Winders
- 9 Allergy and Asthma Network, Global Allergy and Asthma Patient Platform, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monica Kraft
- 10 Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | - Michael C Peters
- 12 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ian D Pavord
- 13 Respiratory Medicine Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
| | - Samantha Walker
- 14 Asthma UK and Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nizar N Jarjour
- 2 Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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28
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Sánchez-Ovando S, Baines KJ, Barker D, Wark PA, Simpson JL. Six gene and TH2 signature expression in endobronchial biopsies of participants with asthma. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2020; 8:40-49. [PMID: 31903716 PMCID: PMC7016845 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both the six gene signature (6GS: CPA3, DNASE1L3, CLC, IL1B, ALPL, and CXCR2) and T-helper 2 signature (TH2S: CLCA1, SERPINB2, and POSTN) are proposed as biomarkers in the identification of inflammatory phenotypes of asthma in induced sputum and epithelial brushings, respectively. The aim of this study was to explore patterns of gene expression of known signatures, 6GS and TH2S in endobronchial biopsies. METHODS This was an exploratory cross-sectional study of gene expression in endobronchial biopsies of 55 adults with asthma and 9 healthy controls (HC). The expression of the 6GS and TH2S was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Correlations with clinical and cellular characteristics were performed, and receiver operating characteristic was utilized to assess signatures' ability to predict asthma from HC and inflammatory phenotypes. RESULTS Gene expression of DNASE1L3 (P = .045) was upregulated in asthma compared with HC, and IL1B (P = .017) was upregulated in neutrophilic asthma compared with non-neutrophilic asthma. In asthma, the expression of CPA3 was negatively associated with ICS daily dose (r = -.339; P = .011), IL1B expression was positively associated with bronchial lavage fluid (BLF) total cell count (r = .340; P = .013) and both CLC and POSTN expression were associated with lymphocytes percentage in BLF (r = -.355, P = .009; r = -.300, P = .025, respectively). Both 6GS (area under curve [AUC] = 86.3%; P = .017) and TH2S (AUC = 72.7%; P = .037) could significantly predict asthma from HC. In addition, 6GS can identify neutrophilic (AUC = 93.2%; P = .005) and TH2S identifies eosinophilic (AUC = 62.7%; P = .033) asthma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE There was increased expression of DNASE1L3 in asthma and IL1B in neutrophilic asthma. These results show similar upregulated patterns of expression in two genes of the 6GS in endobronchial biopsies, previously identified in sputum. The upregulation of DNASE1L3 and IL1B suggests that common mechanisms may be at play throughout the airway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephany Sánchez-Ovando
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine J Baines
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Barker
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter A Wark
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jodie L Simpson
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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29
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Heaney LG, Busby J, Bradding P, Chaudhuri R, Mansur AH, Niven R, Pavord ID, Lindsay JT, Costello RW. Remotely Monitored Therapy and Nitric Oxide Suppression Identifies Nonadherence in Severe Asthma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 199:454-464. [PMID: 30339770 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201806-1182oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Poor adherence is common in difficult-to-control asthma. Distinguishing patients with difficult-to-control asthma who respond to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) from refractory asthma is an important clinical challenge. OBJECTIVES Suppression of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) with directly observed ICS therapy over 7 days can identify nonadherence to ICS treatment in difficult-to-control asthma. We examined the feasibility and utility of FeNO suppression testing in routine clinical care within UK severe asthma centers using remote monitoring technologies. METHODS A web-based interface with integrated remote monitoring technology was developed to deliver FeNO suppression testing. We examined the utility of FeNO suppression testing to demonstrate ICS responsiveness and clinical benefit on electronically monitored treatment with standard high-dose ICS and long-acting β2-agonist treatment. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Clinical response was assessed using the Asthma Control Questionnaire-5, spirometry, and biomarker measurements (FeNO and peripheral blood eosinophil count). Of 250 subjects, 201 completed the test with 130 positive suppression tests. Compared with a negative suppression test, a positive test identified a FeNO-low population when adherent with ICS/long-acting β2-agonist (median, 26 ppb [interquartile range, 16-36 ppb] vs. 43 ppb [interquartile range, 38-73 ppb]) with significantly greater FEV1% (mean, 88.2 ± 16.4 vs. 74.1 ± 20.9; P < 0.01). Asthma Control Questionnaire-5 improved significantly in both groups (positive test: mean difference, -1.2; 95% confidence interval, -0.9 to -1.5; negative test: mean difference, -0.9; 95% confidence interval, -0.4 to -1.3). CONCLUSIONS Remote FeNO suppression testing is an effective means of identifying nonadherence to ICS in subjects with difficult-to-control asthma and the substantial population of subjects who derive important clinical benefits from optimized ICS/long-acting β2-agonist treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam G Heaney
- 1 Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - John Busby
- 1 Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rekha Chaudhuri
- 3 Gartnavel General Hospital and University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Adel H Mansur
- 4 University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Niven
- 5 The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - John T Lindsay
- 7 Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom; and
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30
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Narendra D, Blixt J, Hanania NA. Immunological biomarkers in severe asthma. Semin Immunol 2019; 46:101332. [PMID: 31735516 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.101332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Severe asthma is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation, underlying pathophysiology, course and response to therapy. Clinical and physiological assessment of severe asthma is often inadequate in predicting underlying disease mechanisms and or response to medications. With the emergence of novel targeted therapies in severe asthma, the need for reproducible, easily measured biomarkers became obvious but only few are currently available for clinical use. These biomarkers along with the clinical presentation of the patient play an important role in identifying phenotypes and endotypes, predicting the clinical course and prognosis and improving the precision therapeutic approach to asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharani Narendra
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - John Blixt
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Nicola A Hanania
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States.
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31
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Chung LP, Upham JW, Bardin PG, Hew M. Rational oral corticosteroid use in adult severe asthma: A narrative review. Respirology 2019; 25:161-172. [PMID: 31713955 PMCID: PMC7027745 DOI: 10.1111/resp.13730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OCS play an important role in the management of asthma. However, steroid‐related AE are common and represent a leading cause of morbidity. Limited published studies suggest OCS usage varies across countries and recent registry data indicate that at least 25–60% of patients with severe asthma in developed countries may at some stage be prescribed OCS. Recent evidence indicate that many patients do not receive optimal therapy for asthma and are often prescribed maintenance OCS or repeated steroid bursts to treat exacerbations. Given the recent progress in adult severe asthma and new treatment options, judicious appraisal of steroid use is merited. A number of strategies and add‐on therapies are now available to treat severe asthma. These include increasing specialist referral for multidisciplinary assessments and implementing OCS‐sparing interventions, such as improving guideline adherence and add‐on tiotropium and macrolides. Biologics have recently become available for severe asthma; these agents reduce asthma exacerbations and lower OCS exposure. Further research, collaboration and consensus are necessary to develop a structured stewardship approach including realistic OCS‐weaning programmes for patients with severe asthma on regular OCS; education and public health campaigns to improve timely access to specialized severe asthma services for treatment optimization; and implementing targeted strategies to identify patients who warrant OCS use using objective biomarker‐based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ping Chung
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - John W Upham
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital and University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Philip G Bardin
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Hew
- Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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32
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Personalized Biofeedback on Inhaler Adherence and Technique by Community Pharmacists: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2019; 8:635-644. [PMID: 31568927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend that patients treated with inhalers receive adherence counseling and device training. Digital technologies that assess both inhaler adherence and technique have been developed. Using these technologies community pharmacists, who have regular contact with patients, are well placed to deliver personalized inhaler education. OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of a pharmacist intervention, informed by digital technology, on inhaler technique and adherence of patients with asthma in the community. METHODS A cluster randomized, parallel-group, multisite pharmacy study was conducted over 6 months. All study groups had an electronic device (inhaler compliance assessment device) attached to their maintenance inhaler. A biofeedback group received personalized inhaler training informed by data recorded by the device. The demonstration group received inhaler training, by physical demonstration with a placebo inhaler. The control group received usual care. The primary outcome was inhaler adherence, which was classified as "actual adherence" and expressed as the proportion of expected drug accumulation if adherence and technique had been perfect. Secondary outcomes were quality-of-life scores as measured by the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, symptoms, and exacerbations. RESULTS A total of 152 participants (n = 74 biofeedback, n = 56 demonstration, and n = 22 control) were recruited. Asthma was the predominant condition among participants (n = 83), with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 55) and asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap also reported (n = 8). In intention-to-treat analysis, adherence in the biofeedback group during month 2 was 62%, 18% higher (95% CI, 6 to 30) than that in the demonstration group (P = .004) and 24% higher (95% CI, 9 to 40) than that in the control group (P = .003). During month 6, adherence was 14% higher (95% CI, -1 to 30; P = .07) in the biofeedback group than in the demonstration group and 31% higher (95% CI, 13 to 48; P = .001) than in the control group. At the end of the study, the biofeedback group had a sustained fall in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire from baseline, -6.1 (95% CI, -9 to -0.4; P = .04) and had significantly improved daily respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacist-delivered inhaler training informed by a digital technology improved adherence and health status.
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33
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O'Byrne P, Fabbri LM, Pavord ID, Papi A, Petruzzelli S, Lange P. Asthma progression and mortality: the role of inhaled corticosteroids. Eur Respir J 2019; 54:13993003.00491-2019. [PMID: 31048346 PMCID: PMC6637285 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00491-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Overall, asthma mortality rates have declined dramatically in the last 30 years, due to improved diagnosis and to better treatment, particularly in the 1990s following the more widespread use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). The impact of ICS on other long-term outcomes, such as lung function decline, is less certain, in part because the factors associated with these outcomes are incompletely understood. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effect of pharmacological interventions, particularly ICS, on asthma progression and mortality. Furthermore, we review the potential mechanisms of action of pharmacotherapy on asthma progression and mortality, the effects of ICS on long-term changes in lung function, and the role of ICS in various asthma phenotypes. Overall, there is compelling evidence of the value of ICS in improving asthma control, as measured by improved symptoms, pulmonary function and reduced exacerbations. There is, however, less convincing evidence that ICS prevents the decline in pulmonary function that occurs in some, although not all, patients with asthma. Severe exacerbations are associated with a more rapid decline in pulmonary function, and by reducing the risk of severe exacerbations, it is likely that ICS will, at least partially, prevent this decline. Studies using administrative databases also support an important role for ICS in reducing asthma mortality, but the fact that asthma mortality is, fortunately, an uncommon event makes it highly improbable that this will be demonstrated in prospective trials. There is compelling evidence of the value of ICS in improving asthma control and indirect evidence that ICS prevents lung function decline by preventing severe exacerbations. Registry-based studies support the role of ICS in reducing asthma mortality.http://bit.ly/2VcNjaz
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul O'Byrne
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Leonardo M Fabbri
- Section of Cardiorespiratory and Internal Medicine, Dept of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,COPD Center, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ian D Pavord
- Respiratory Medicine Unit and Oxford Respiratory NIHR BRC, Nuffield Dept of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alberto Papi
- Section of Cardiorespiratory and Internal Medicine, Dept of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Peter Lange
- Section of Epidemiology, Dept of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Medical Dept, Respiratory Section, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
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34
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Kuo CHS, Pavlidis S, Zhu J, Loza M, Baribaud F, Rowe A, Pandis I, Gibeon D, Hoda U, Sousa A, Wilson SJ, Howarth P, Shaw D, Fowler S, Dahlen B, Chanez P, Krug N, Sandstrom T, Fleming L, Corfield J, Auffray C, Djukanovic R, Sterk PJ, Guo Y, Adcock IM, Chung KF. Contribution of airway eosinophils in airway wall remodeling in asthma: Role of MMP-10 and MET. Allergy 2019; 74:1102-1112. [PMID: 30667542 DOI: 10.1111/all.13727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eosinophils play an important role in the pathophysiology of asthma being implicated in airway epithelial damage and airway wall remodeling. We determined the genes associated with airway remodeling and eosinophilic inflammation in patients with asthma. METHODS We analyzed the transcriptomic data from bronchial biopsies of 81 patients with moderate-to-severe asthma of the U-BIOPRED cohort. Expression profiling was performed using Affymetrix arrays on total RNA. Transcription binding site analysis used the PRIMA algorithm. Localization of proteins was by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Using stringent false discovery rate analysis, MMP-10 and MET were significantly overexpressed in biopsies with high mucosal eosinophils (HE) compared to low mucosal eosinophil (LE) numbers. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed increased expression of MMP-10 and MET in bronchial epithelial cells and in subepithelial inflammatory and resident cells in asthmatic biopsies. Using less-stringent conditions (raw P-value < 0.05, log2 fold change > 0.5), we defined a 73-gene set characteristic of the HE compared to the LE group. Thirty-three of 73 genes drove the pathway annotation that included extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, mast cell activation, CC-chemokine receptor binding, circulating immunoglobulin complex, serine protease inhibitors, and microtubule bundle formation pathways. Genes including MET and MMP10 involved in ECM organization correlated positively with submucosal thickness. Transcription factor binding site analysis identified two transcription factors, ETS-1 and SOX family proteins, that showed positive correlation with MMP10 and MET expression. CONCLUSION Pathways of airway remodeling and cellular inflammation are associated with submucosal eosinophilia. MET and MMP-10 likely play an important role in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hsi S. Kuo
- Airways Disease; National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College; London UK
- Biomedical Research Unit; Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust; London UK
- Department of Computing & Data Science Institute; Imperial College; London UK
| | - Stelios Pavlidis
- Department of Computing & Data Science Institute; Imperial College; London UK
- Janssen Research and Development; High Wycombe UK
| | - Jie Zhu
- Airways Disease; National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College; London UK
| | - Matthew Loza
- Janssen Research and Development; High Wycombe UK
| | | | - Anthony Rowe
- Janssen Research and Development; High Wycombe UK
| | - Ioannis Pandis
- Airways Disease; National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College; London UK
- Biomedical Research Unit; Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust; London UK
| | - David Gibeon
- Airways Disease; National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College; London UK
- Biomedical Research Unit; Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust; London UK
| | - Uruj Hoda
- Department of Computing & Data Science Institute; Imperial College; London UK
| | - Ana Sousa
- Respiratory Therapeutic Unit; GlaxoSmithKline; Stockley Park UK
| | - Susan J. Wilson
- Faculty of Medicine; Southampton University; Southampton UK
- NIHR Southampton Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit; University Hospital Southampton; Southampton UK
| | - Peter Howarth
- Faculty of Medicine; Southampton University; Southampton UK
- NIHR Southampton Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit; University Hospital Southampton; Southampton UK
| | - Dominick Shaw
- Respiratory Research Unit; University of Nottingham; Nottingham UK
| | - Stephen Fowler
- Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy; The University of Manchester; Manchester UK
| | - Barbro Dahlen
- The Centre for Allergy Research; The Institute of Environmental Medicine; Karolinska Institute; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Pascal Chanez
- Laboratoire d'immunologie; Département des Maladies Respiratoires; Aix Marseille Université Marseille; Marseille France
| | - Norbert Krug
- Immunology, Allergology and Clinical Inhalation; Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine; Hannover Germany
| | - Thomas Sandstrom
- Department of Medicine, Respiratory and Allergy unit; University Hospital; Umeå Sweden
| | - Louise Fleming
- Department of Computing & Data Science Institute; Imperial College; London UK
| | - Julie Corfield
- AstraZeneca R & D; Molndal Sweden
- Areteva R & D; Nottingham UK
| | - Charles Auffray
- European Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine; CNRS-ENS-UCBL; Université de Lyon; Lyon France
| | - Ratko Djukanovic
- Faculty of Medicine; Southampton University; Southampton UK
- NIHR Southampton Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit; University Hospital Southampton; Southampton UK
| | - Peter J. Sterk
- Faculty of Medicine; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherland
| | - Yike Guo
- Department of Computing & Data Science Institute; Imperial College; London UK
| | - Ian M. Adcock
- Airways Disease; National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College; London UK
- Biomedical Research Unit; Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust; London UK
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- Airways Disease; National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College; London UK
- Biomedical Research Unit; Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust; London UK
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35
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Tay TR, Lee JWY, Hew M. Diagnosis of severe asthma. Med J Aust 2019; 209:S3-S10. [PMID: 30453866 DOI: 10.5694/mja18.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Patients with asthma that is uncontrolled despite high intensity medication can present in both primary and specialist care. An increasing number of novel (and expensive) treatments are available for patients who fail conventional asthma therapy, but these may not be appropriate for all such patients. It is essential that a rigorous evaluation process be undertaken for these patients to identify those with biologically severe asthma who will require novel therapies, and those who may improve with control of contributory factors. In this article, we describe three key steps in the diagnostic evaluation process for severe asthma. The first step is confirmation of asthma diagnosis with objective evidence of variable airflow obstruction. The second involves management of contributory factors such as non-adherence, poor inhaler technique, ongoing asthma triggers, and comorbidities. The third step involves phenotyping and endotyping of patients with severe asthma. We provide a practical approach to implementing these measures in both primary and secondary care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Hew
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC
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36
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A sputum 6-gene signature predicts future exacerbations of poorly controlled asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 144:51-60.e11. [PMID: 30682452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.12.1020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improved diagnostic tools for predicting future exacerbation frequency in asthmatic patients are required. A sputum gene expression signature of 6 biomarkers (6-gene signature [6GS], including Charcot-Leyden crystal galectin [CLC]; carboxypeptidase 3 [CPA3]; deoxyribonuclease 1-like 3 [DNASE1L3]; alkaline phosphatase, liver/bone/kidney [ALPL]; CXCR2; and IL1B) predicts inflammatory and treatment response phenotypes in patients with stable asthma. Recently, we demonstrated that azithromycin (AZM) add-on treatment in patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma significantly reduced asthma exacerbations (AMAZES clinical trial). OBJECTIVES We sought to test whether the 6GS predicts future exacerbation and inflammatory phenotypes in a subpopulation of AMAZES and to test the effect of AZM therapy on 6GS expression and prognostic capacity. METHODS One hundred forty-two patients (73 placebo-treated and 69 AZM-treated patients) had sputum stored for quantitative PCR of 6GS markers at baseline and after 48 weeks of treatment. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve (AUC) determination were performed on baseline measures, and in an exploratory analysis the predictive value of the 6GS was compared with conventional biomarkers for exacerbation and inflammatory phenotypes. RESULTS The 6GS significantly predicted all future exacerbation phenotypes tested. Calculated AUCs for the 6GS were significantly greater than AUCs for peripheral blood eosinophil counts, sputum neutrophil counts, and combined sputum eosinophil and neutrophil counts. 6GS AUCs were also numerically but not significantly greater than those for fractional exhaled nitric oxide values and sputum eosinophil counts. AZM treatment altered neither 6GS expression nor the predictive capacity of the 6GS for future exacerbation phenotypes. The 6GS was a significant predictor of airway inflammatory phenotype in this population. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that a sputum gene signature can predict future exacerbation phenotypes of asthma, with the greatest biomarker performance in identifying those who would experience frequent severe exacerbations. AZM therapy did not modify 6GS expression or biomarker performance, suggesting the therapeutic action of AZM is independent of 6GS-related inflammatory pathways.
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37
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Nissen F, Douglas IJ, Müllerová H, Pearce N, Bloom CI, Smeeth L, Quint JK. Clinical profile of predefined asthma phenotypes in a large cohort of UK primary care patients (Clinical Practice Research Datalink). J Asthma Allergy 2019; 12:7-19. [PMID: 30662273 PMCID: PMC6329349 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s182013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distinct asthma phenotypes have previously been suggested, including benign asthma, atopic asthma and obese non-eosinophilic asthma. This study aims to establish if these phenotypes can be identified using data recorded in primary care clinical records and reports on patient characteristics and exacerbation frequency. METHODS A population-based cohort study identified 193,999 asthma patients in UK primary care from 2007 to 2017. We used linked primary and secondary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Hospital Episode Statistics and Office for National Statistics. Patients were classified into predefined phenotypes or included in an asthma "not otherwise specified" (NOS) group. We used negative binomial regression to calculate the exacerbation rates and adjusted rate ratios. Rate ratios were further stratified by asthma treatment step. RESULTS In our cohort, 3.9% of patients were categorized as benign asthma, 28.6% atopic asthma and 4.8% obese non-eosinophilic asthma. About 62.7% of patients were asthma NOS, including asthma NOS without treatment (10.4%), only on short-acting beta agonist (6.1%) and on maintenance treatment (46.2%). Crude severe exacerbation rates per 1,000 person-years were lowest for benign asthma (106.8 [95% CI: 101.2-112.3]) and highest for obese non-eosinophilic asthma (469.0 [451.7-486.2]). Incidence rate ratios for all phenotype groups decreased when stratified by treatment step but remained raised compared to benign asthma. CONCLUSION Established phenotypes can be identified in a general asthma population, although many patients did not fit into the specific phenotypes which we studied. Phenotyping patients and knowledge of asthma treatment step could help anticipate clinical course and therefore could aid clinical management but is only possible in a minority of primary care patients based on current phenotypes and electronic health records (EHRs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Nissen
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK,
| | - Ian J Douglas
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK,
| | | | - Neil Pearce
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK,
| | - Chloe I Bloom
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Liam Smeeth
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK,
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38
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Pavlidis S, Takahashi K, Ng Kee Kwong F, Xie J, Hoda U, Sun K, Elyasigomari V, Agapow P, Loza M, Baribaud F, Chanez P, Fowler SJ, Shaw DE, Fleming LJ, Howarth PH, Sousa AR, Corfield J, Auffray C, De Meulder B, Knowles R, Sterk PJ, Guo Y, Adcock IM, Djukanovic R, Fan Chung K. "T2-high" in severe asthma related to blood eosinophil, exhaled nitric oxide and serum periostin. Eur Respir J 2019; 53:13993003.00938-2018. [PMID: 30578390 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00938-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Type-2 (T2) immune responses in airway epithelial cells (AECs) classifies mild-moderate asthma into a T2-high phenotype. We examined whether currently available clinical biomarkers can predict AEC-defined T2-high phenotype within the U-BIOPRED cohort.The transcriptomic profile of AECs obtained from brushings of 103 patients with asthma and 44 healthy controls was obtained and gene set variation analysis used to determine the relative expression score of T2 asthma using a signature from interleukin (IL)-13-exposed AECs.37% of asthmatics (45% nonsmoking severe asthma, n=49; 33% of smoking or ex-smoking severe asthma, n=18; and 28% mild-moderate asthma, n=36) were T2-high using AEC gene expression. They were more symptomatic with higher exhaled nitric oxide fraction (F eNO) and blood and sputum eosinophils, but not serum IgE or periostin. Sputum eosinophilia correlated best with the T2-high signature. F eNO (≥30 ppb) and blood eosinophils (≥300 cells·µL-1) gave a moderate prediction of T2-high asthma. Sputum IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 protein levels did not correlate with gene expression.T2-high severe asthma can be predicted to some extent from raised levels of F eNO, blood and sputum eosinophil counts, but serum IgE or serum periostin were poor predictors. Better bedside biomarkers are needed to detect T2-high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelios Pavlidis
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, London, UK.,Dept of Computing and Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kentaro Takahashi
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, London, UK.,Research Centre for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Asahi General Hospital, Asahi, Japan
| | - Francois Ng Kee Kwong
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jiaxing Xie
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Uruj Hoda
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Kai Sun
- Dept of Computing and Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Vahid Elyasigomari
- Dept of Computing and Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Agapow
- Dept of Computing and Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Loza
- Janssen Research and Development, High Wycombe, UK
| | | | - Pascal Chanez
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille - Clinique des bronches, allergies et sommeil, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Steve J Fowler
- Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester and University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Dominic E Shaw
- Respiratory Research Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Louise J Fleming
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter H Howarth
- NIHR Southampton Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Clinical and Experimental Sciences and Human Development and Health, Southampton, UK
| | - Ana R Sousa
- Respiratory Therapeutic Unit, GSK, Stockley Park, UK
| | - Julie Corfield
- AstraZeneca R&D, Molndal, Sweden.,Areteva R&D, Nottingham, UK
| | - Charles Auffray
- European Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine, CNRS-ENS-UCBL-INSERM, Lyon, France
| | - Bertrand De Meulder
- European Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine, CNRS-ENS-UCBL-INSERM, Lyon, France
| | | | - Peter J Sterk
- Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yike Guo
- Dept of Computing and Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ian M Adcock
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, London, UK.,Dept of Computing and Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ratko Djukanovic
- NIHR Southampton Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Clinical and Experimental Sciences and Human Development and Health, Southampton, UK
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, London, UK.,Dept of Computing and Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Fleming L, Heaney L. Severe Asthma-Perspectives From Adult and Pediatric Pulmonology. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:389. [PMID: 31649906 PMCID: PMC6794347 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Both adults and children with severe asthma represent a small proportion of the asthma population; however, they consume disproportionate resources. For both groups it is important to confirm the diagnosis of severe asthma and ensure that modifiable factors such as adherence have, as far as possible, been addressed. Most children can be controlled on inhaled corticosteroids and long term oral corticosteroid use is rare, in contrast to adults where steroid related morbidity accounts for a large proportion of the costs of severe asthma. Atopic sensitization is very common in children with severe asthma as are other atopic conditions such as allergic rhinitis and hay fever which can impact on asthma control. In adults, the role of allergic driven disease, even in those with co-existent evidence of sensitization, is unclear. There is currently an exciting pipeline of novel biologicals, particularly directed at Type 2 inflammation, which afford the possibility of improved asthma control and reduced treatment side effects for people with asthma. However, not all drugs will work for all patients and accurate phenotyping is essential. In adults the terms T2 high and T2 low asthma have been coined to describe groups of patients based on the presence/absence of eosinophilic inflammation and T-helper 2 (TH2) cytokines. Bronchoscopic studies in children with severe asthma have demonstrated that these children are predominantly eosinophilic but the cytokine patterns do not fit the T2 high paradigm suggesting other steroid resistant pathways are driving the eosinophilic inflammation. It remains to be seen whether treatments developed for adult severe asthma will be effective in children and which biomarkers will predict response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Fleming
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Liam Heaney
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Health Sciences, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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40
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Gallagher NE, Hanratty CE, Humbert M, Bel E, Djukanovic R, Hudson V, Amos N, Heaney LG. Biomarker-based corticosteroid adjustment in severe asthma: a modified Delphi consensus. ERJ Open Res 2018; 4:00081-2018. [PMID: 30538996 PMCID: PMC6284095 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00081-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is managed using “step-wise” adjustment of corticosteroid therapy to achieve asthma control. When corticosteroid treatment is adjusted using sputum eosinophil count or exhaled nitric oxide fraction, exacerbations are reduced [1, 2]; however, implementation in clinical care has been slow. In parallel, airway transcriptomic analysis has demonstrated that type 2 eosinophilic inflammation is absent in many patients with minimal response to corticosteroid treatment [3–5]. The UK Refractory Asthma Stratification Programme (RASP-UK) (http://rasp.org.uk/) is exploring non-sputum biomarker-based strategies to target corticosteroid treatment in severe asthma [6, 7], and sought to determine clinician and patient views on clinically relevant reductions in corticosteroid treatment. UK asthma physicians are supportive of biomarker-based steroid adjustment, but European physicians need more evidencehttp://ow.ly/sTrf30my3jw
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola E Gallagher
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Catherine E Hanratty
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Marc Humbert
- Univ. Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Elisabeth Bel
- Academic Medical Centre of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ratko Djukanovic
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, Southampton, UK.,RASP-UK, London, UK
| | | | - Nile Amos
- Asthma UK RASP-UK Patient Input Platform, London, UK
| | - Liam G Heaney
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK.,RASP-UK, London, UK
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41
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Sontake V, Gajjala PR, Kasam RK, Madala SK. New therapeutics based on emerging concepts in pulmonary fibrosis. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 23:69-81. [PMID: 30468628 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1552262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibrosis is an irreversible pathological endpoint in many chronic diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and often fatal condition characterized by (myo)fibroblast proliferation and transformation in the lung, expansion of the extracellular matrix, and extensive remodeling of the lung parenchyma. Recent evidence indicates that IPF prevalence and mortality rates are growing in the United States and elsewhere. Despite decades of research on the pathogenic mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis, few therapeutics have succeeded in the clinic, and they have failed to improve IPF patient survival. Areas covered: Based on a literature search and our own results, we discuss the key cellular and molecular responses that contribute to (myo)fibroblast actions and pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis; this includes signaling pathways in various cells that aberrantly and persistently activate (myo)fibroblasts in fibrotic lesions and promote scar tissue formation in the lung. Expert opinion: Lessons learned from recent failures and successes with new therapeutics point toward approaches that can target multiple pro-fibrotic processes in IPF. Advances in preclinical modeling and single-cell genomics will also accelerate novel discoveries for effective treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishwaraj Sontake
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine , Cincinnati , OH , USA.,b Division of Pulmonary Medicine , Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati , OH , USA
| | - Prathibha R Gajjala
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine , Cincinnati , OH , USA.,b Division of Pulmonary Medicine , Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati , OH , USA
| | - Rajesh K Kasam
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine , Cincinnati , OH , USA.,b Division of Pulmonary Medicine , Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati , OH , USA
| | - Satish K Madala
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine , Cincinnati , OH , USA.,b Division of Pulmonary Medicine , Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati , OH , USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Asthma is a heterogeneous disease consisting of different phenotypes that are driven by different mechanistic pathways. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the important role of precision medicine in asthma management. RECENT FINDINGS Despite asthma heterogeneity, the approach to management has been on the basis of disease severity, with the most severe patients reserved for the maximum treatments with corticosteroids and bronchodilators. At the severe end, the recent availability of biologic therapies in the form of anti-IgE (omalizumab) and anti-IL5 therapies (mepolizumab and reslizumab) has driven the adaptation of precision medicine. These therapies are reserved for severe asthma with defined either allergic or eosinophilic background, respectively. SUMMARY Unbiased definition of phenotypes or endotypes (which are phenotypes defined by mechanisms) is an important step towards the use of precision medicine in asthma. Although T2-high asthma has been defined with targets becoming available for treating allergic or eosinophilic asthma, the definition of non-T2 phenotypes remains a priority. Precision medicine is also dependent on the definition of biomarkers that can help differentiate between these phenotypes and pinpoint patients suitable for specific-targeted therapies. Thus, precision medicine links phenotypes (endotypes) to targeted treatments for better outcomes.
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43
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Disconnect of type 2 biomarkers in severe asthma; dominated by FeNO as a predictor of exacerbations and periostin as predictor of reduced lung function. Respir Med 2018; 143:31-38. [PMID: 30261989 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND biomarkers of Type 2 (T2) inflammation may predict asthma control and exacerbation risk. However, the relationships between individual T2 biomarkers to exacerbations and lung function in severe asthma remain uncertain. OBJECTIVES to explore the roles played by T2 biomarkers individually and as a composite score in predicting clinical outcomes in severe asthma. METHODS unselected severe asthma patients were enrolled in this cross sectional real life study. Participants were clinically characterised and the following measurements were obtained: the frequency of exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids (OCS), asthma control (Juniper ACQ6-7), lung function, Fraction exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO), peripheral blood eosinophils (PBE), and serum periostin. RESULTS A total of 115 patients were recruited [mean age 45 years (range 18-70), 80 (69.6%) females, mean forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) %predicted was 68% ± 24.7, mean inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) 1.96 ± 0.82 mg/day. FeNO correlated significantly with PBE (r = 0.35, p = 0.0004), but not with periostin (r = 0.22, p = 0.065) and there was no significant correlation between PBE and periostin. FeNO correlation with exacerbations (r = 0.42, p = 0.0008) was stronger than PBE and periostin. A composite score of the 3 biomarkers correlated with exacerbations in a dose-dependent manner but multiple regression analysis did not confirm an added benefit. Only periostin demonstrated a significant correlation with FEV1%predicted (r = -0.34, p = 0.004) with ROC-AUC 0.7. CONCLUSION FeNO demonstrated stronger correlation with asthma exacerbations than PBE or periostin with no definite added benefit from a composite score of the 3 biomarkers. Only periostin showed significant association with reduced lung function raising its potential as a biomarker of airway remodeling.
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44
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review, we herein describe the progress in management of severe asthma, evolving from a 'blockbuster approach' to a more personalized approach targeted to the utilization of endotype-driven therapies. RECENT FINDINGS Severe asthma characterization in phenotypes and endotypes, by means of specific biomarkers, have led to the dichotomization of the concepts of 'personalized medicine' and 'precision medicine', which are often used as synonyms, but actually have conceptual differences in meaning. The recent contribute of the omic sciences (i.e. proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, genomics, …) has brought this initially theoretic evolution into a more concrete level. SUMMARY This step-by-step transition would bring to a better approach to severe asthmatic patients as the personalization of their therapeutic strategy would bring to a better patient selection, a more precise endotype-driven treatment, and hopefully to better results in terms of reduction of exacerbation rates, symptoms, pulmonary function and quality of life.
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45
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Singanayagam A, Woodcock HV, Molyneaux PL, Jenkins G. Review of the British Thoracic Society Winter Meeting 2017, 6-8 December 2017, London, UK. Thorax 2018; 73:872-876. [PMID: 29903754 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-212012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the British Thoracic Society Winter Meeting 2017 and summarises the new developments in scientific and clinical research across the breadth of respiratory medicine. The article discusses a number of symposia and selected abstract presentations from the meeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aran Singanayagam
- COPD and Asthma Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hannah V Woodcock
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Philip L Molyneaux
- NIHR Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.,Fibrosis Research Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gisli Jenkins
- Centre for Respiratory Research, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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46
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Robinson DS. Assessing severe asthma. Eur Respir J 2018; 48:611-3. [PMID: 27581403 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01034-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas S Robinson
- Severe Asthma Service, Respiratory Medicine, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
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47
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Sahota J, Robinson DS. Update on new biologics for intractable eosinophilic asthma: impact of reslizumab. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:1173-1181. [PMID: 29780238 PMCID: PMC5951215 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s109489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A small percentage of patients with asthma have uncontrolled symptoms and frequent exacerbations, despite treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and other agents. It has become clear that different subtypes of this severe, treatment-resistant group exist due to different mechanisms of the disease. All such patients require detailed assessment in specialist centers to characterize the disease and assess treatment adherence. Recently, monoclonal antibodies have become available, which target specific pathways that may contribute to persistent inflammation and asthma exacerbations. These antibodies include those targeting interleukin (IL)-5, which drives eosinophilic inflammation. Reslizumab is a newly licensed antibody that blocks binding of IL-5 to its receptor. Here, we discuss the significance of clinical data of this drug, which show up to 50% reduction in exacerbation rates, together with modest but significant improvements in lung function and quality of life, in those with persistent eosinophilia. The combination of reslizumab with mepolizumab and benralizumab, which also target IL-5, may be a useful addition to the therapeutic armamentarium in a selected group of patients with severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagdeep Sahota
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Douglas S Robinson
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
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48
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Maio S, Baldacci S, Bresciani M, Simoni M, Latorre M, Murgia N, Spinozzi F, Braschi M, Antonicelli L, Brunetto B, Iacovacci P, Roazzi P, Pini C, Pata M, La Grasta L, Paggiaro P, Viegi G. RItA: The Italian severe/uncontrolled asthma registry. Allergy 2018; 73:683-695. [PMID: 29072882 DOI: 10.1111/all.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Italian severe/uncontrolled asthma (SUA) web-based registry encompasses demographic, clinical, functional, and inflammatory data; it aims to raise SUA awareness, identifying specific phenotypes and promoting optimal care. METHODS Four hundred and ninety three adult patients from 27 Italian centers (recruited in 2011-2014) were analyzed. RESULTS Mean age was 53.8 years. SUA patients were more frequently female (60.6%), with allergic asthma (83.1%). About 30% showed late onset of asthma diagnosis/symptoms (>40 years); the mean age for asthma symptoms onset was 30.2 years and for asthma diagnosis 34.4 years. 97.1% used ICS (dose 2000 BDP), 93.6% LABA in association with ICS, 53.3% LTRAs, 64.1% anti-IgE, 10.7% theophylline, and 16.0% oral corticosteroids. Mean FEV1 % pred of 75.1%, median values of 300/mm3 of blood eosinophil count, 323 kU/L of serum total IgE, and 24 ppb of FENO were shown. Most common comorbidities were allergic rhinitis (62.4%), gastroesophageal reflux (42.1%), sinusitis (37.9%), nasal polyposis (30.2%), and allergic conjunctivitis (30.2%). 55.7% of SUA patients had exacerbations in the last 12 months, 9.7% emergency department visits, and 7.3% hospitalizations. Factors associated with exacerbation risk were obesity (OR, 95% CI 2.46, 1.11-5.41), psychic disorders (2.87, 0.89-9.30-borderline), nasal polyps (1.86, 0.88-3.89-borderline), partial/poor asthma treatment adherence (2.54, 0.97-6.67-borderline), and anti-IgE use in a protective way (0.26, 0.12-0.53). Comparisons to severe asthma multicenter studies and available registries showed data consistency across European and American populations. CONCLUSIONS An international effort in the implementation of SUA patients' registries could help to better understand the clinical features and to manage severe asthma, representing a non-negligible socioeconomic burden for health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Maio
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit; CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology; Pisa Italy
| | - S. Baldacci
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit; CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology; Pisa Italy
| | - M. Bresciani
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit; CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology; Pisa Italy
| | - M. Simoni
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit; CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology; Pisa Italy
| | - M. Latorre
- Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - N. Murgia
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - F. Spinozzi
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - M. Braschi
- Allergy Unit; Internal Medicine Department; AOU Ospedali Riuniti; Ancona Italy
| | - L. Antonicelli
- Allergy Unit; Internal Medicine Department; AOU Ospedali Riuniti; Ancona Italy
| | - B. Brunetto
- Immunology Department; Italian National Health Institute (ISS); Roma Italy
| | - P. Iacovacci
- Immunology Department; Italian National Health Institute (ISS); Roma Italy
| | - P. Roazzi
- Immunology Department; Italian National Health Institute (ISS); Roma Italy
| | - C. Pini
- Immunology Department; Italian National Health Institute (ISS); Roma Italy
| | - M. Pata
- Roche S.p.A.; Monza Milano Italy
| | | | - P. Paggiaro
- Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - G. Viegi
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit; CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology; Pisa Italy
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology (IBIM) “A. Monroy”; CNR; Palermo Italy
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Pavord ID, Afzalnia S, Menzies-Gow A, Heaney LG. The current and future role of biomarkers in type 2 cytokine-mediated asthma management. Clin Exp Allergy 2017; 47:148-160. [PMID: 28134501 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Assessment and management of asthma is complicated by the heterogeneous pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie its clinical presentation, which are not necessarily reflected in standardized management paradigms and which necessitate an individualized approach to treatment. This is particularly important with the emerging availability of a variety of targeted forms of therapy that may only be appropriate for use in particular patient subgroups. The identification of biomarkers can potentially aid diagnosis and inform prognosis, help guide treatment decisions and allow clinicians to predict and monitor response to treatment. Biomarkers for asthma have been identified from a variety of sources, including airway, exhaled breath and blood. Biomarkers from exhaled breath include fractional exhaled nitric oxide, measurement of which can help identify patients most likely to benefit from inhaled corticosteroids and targeted anti-immunoglobulin E therapy. Biomarkers measured in blood are relatively non-invasive and technically more straightforward than those measured from exhaled breath or directly from the airway. The most well established of these are the blood eosinophil count and serum periostin, both of which have demonstrated utility in identifying patients most likely to benefit from targeted anti-interleukin and anti-immunoglobulin E therapies, and in monitoring subsequent treatment response. For example, serum periostin appears to be a biomarker for responsiveness to inhaled corticosteroid therapy and may help identify patients as suitable candidates for anti-IL-13 treatment. The use of biomarkers can therefore potentially help avoid unnecessary morbidity from high-dose corticosteroid therapy and allow the most appropriate and cost-effective use of targeted therapies. Ongoing clinical trials are helping to further elucidate the role of established biomarkers in routine clinical practice, and a range of other circulating novel potential biomarkers are currently being investigated in the research setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- I D Pavord
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - S Afzalnia
- Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | - L G Heaney
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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50
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Robinson D, Humbert M, Buhl R, Cruz AA, Inoue H, Korom S, Hanania NA, Nair P. Revisiting Type 2-high and Type 2-low airway inflammation in asthma: current knowledge and therapeutic implications. Clin Exp Allergy 2017; 47:161-175. [PMID: 28036144 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a complex respiratory disorder characterized by marked heterogeneity in individual patient disease triggers and response to therapy. Several asthma phenotypes have now been identified, each defined by a unique interaction between genetic and environmental factors, including inflammatory, clinical and trigger-related phenotypes. Endotypes further describe the functional or pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the patient's disease. type 2-driven asthma is an emerging nomenclature for a common subtype of asthma and is characterized by the release of signature cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 from cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. A number of well-recognized biomarkers have been linked to mechanisms involved in type 2 airway inflammation, including fractional exhaled nitric oxide, serum IgE, periostin, and blood and sputum eosinophils. These type 2 cytokines are targets for pharmaceutical intervention, and a number of therapeutic options are under clinical investigation for the management of patients with uncontrolled severe asthma. Anticipating and understanding the heterogeneity of asthma and subsequent improved characterization of different phenotypes and endotypes must guide the selection of treatment to meet individual patients' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Robinson
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Severe Asthma Service, UCLH NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - M Humbert
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, University Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U999, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - R Buhl
- Pulmonary Department, Mainz University Hospital, Mainz, Germany
| | - A A Cruz
- ProAR-Center of Excellence in Asthma, Federal University of Bahia School of Medicine, Salvador, Brazil
| | - H Inoue
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - S Korom
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - N A Hanania
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - P Nair
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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