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Okazaki R, Harada T, Funaki Y, Morita M, Takata M, Kohno H, Ishikawa H, Inui G, Nishigami M, Yamamoto M, Listyoko AS, Yamasaki A. Efficacy, Safety, and Continuation of Biological Therapy in Older Patients with Asthma in a Real-World Setting: A Retrospective Observational Study. Yonago Acta Med 2024; 67:114-123. [PMID: 38803591 PMCID: PMC11128083 DOI: 10.33160/yam.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Major randomized clinical trials have shown that biological therapy can reduce the exacerbation rate and oral corticosteroid (OCS) dosage in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. However, data on the continuation, efficacy, and safety of biological therapy in older patients with asthma are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the continuation rate, efficacy, and safety of biological therapy between older (≥ 65 years) and younger (< 65 years) patients with asthma. Methods In this single-center retrospective observational study, we collected clinical data of patients with asthma who were administered biological drugs such as omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, and dupilumab between April 2009 and August 2022. We comparatively analyzed the continuation, efficacy, and safety of biological therapy between older (age ≥ 65 years) and younger patient (age < 65 years) groups. The reasons for discontinuation or switching of biological drugs were also evaluated. Results Sixty-two (31 older and 31 younger) patients were treated with 91 biologics during the observational period. The mean age of older patients was 74.3 ± 5.1 years and that of younger patients was 48.0 ± 14.0 years. The continuation rate of biological therapy was not significantly different between the groups. Social background was the most common reason for discontinuation of biological therapy in both groups, and insufficient effect was the most common reason for switching to biological drugs. Asthma exacerbations decreased in both groups within the first 12 months of biologic therapy. The dosage of OCS tended to decrease in the older group and significantly decrease in the younger group. Conclusion Biologic therapy for older patients with asthma can be continued, with efficacy and safety similar to those in younger patients with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Okazaki
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Tomoya Harada
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Funaki
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Masato Morita
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Miki Takata
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kohno
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ishikawa
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Genki Inui
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Miyu Nishigami
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Yamamoto
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Aditya Sri Listyoko
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University-Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang 65112, Indonesia
| | - Akira Yamasaki
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
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Valverde-Monge M, Cárdenas R, García-Moguel I, Rosado A, Gandolfo-Cano M, Echarren TR, Moro-Moro MDM, Reaño Martos MDM, Pineda-Pineda R, Arroba CMA, Domínguez-Ortega J. Safety and efficacy of benralizumab in elderly subjects with severe asthma. J Asthma 2024; 61:232-237. [PMID: 37737844 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2023.2263078] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of asthma in adults >65 years old is approximately 12-14%, and 10% have severe asthma. A higher mortality rate is observed in subjects with asthma >65 years old and especially >80 years old. OBJECTIVE To analyze the effectiveness and safety of at least three doses of benralizumab in a subgroup of elderly subjects (>65 years old) with uncontrolled severe eosinophilic asthma in real-life conditions. METHODS This was a retrospective multicenter study (AUTOBENRA study) conducted in 9 hospitals that included 72 patients aged >18 years old with uncontrolled severe asthma based on the Spanish Asthma Guidelines who were treated with at least three doses of benralizumab, self-administered at home since before April 30, 2021. The recruitment period ended on October 1, 2021. Written consent was obtained before the study commencement. In this subanalysis, we compared the results between patients >65 years old and patients <65 years old. RESULTS A total of 72 subjects with severe asthma were screened, and 54 were included (MD: 57.3 ± 10 years old). There were 12 subjects aged >65 years old [MD: 69.8 ± 4.3 years old (minimum: 65 years old; maximum: 83 years old)]. Subjects >65 years old experienced statistically significant improvement in lung function, ACT and mini-AQLQ with benralizumab. Additionally, 9 patients (75%) experienced no asthma exacerbation (p = 0.0047), half (3/6) were able to stop OCS (p = 0.08), and no adverse effects with benralizumab were reported during the 20 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In patients aged >65 years old, benralizumab was an effective and safe therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma in our study, with no significant differences from the younger subgroup. This is especially important since they are a group with numerous comorbidities, medications and worse quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Valverde-Monge
- Department of Allergy, University Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de investigación biomédica en enfermedades respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Remedios Cárdenas
- Department of Allergy, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ismael García-Moguel
- Department of Allergy, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Rosado
- Department of Allergy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Gandolfo-Cano
- Department of Allergy, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain
- RETIC ARADyAL, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Robledo Echarren
- Department of Allergy, Hospital Clinico San Carlos (HCSC)
- Instituto de investigación sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdSSC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Javier Domínguez-Ortega
- Department of Allergy, La Paz University Hospital, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
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Chen X, Luo H, Yan W, Tang K, Huang J, Xie S, Lin Z, Zhang Z, Shi X, Xian M, Wang W, Li J, Chen R. Real-world effectiveness and predictors of super-responders to dupilumab in a Chinese uncontrolled asthma cohort. Allergy Asthma Proc 2024; 45:e14-e22. [PMID: 38151737 DOI: 10.2500/aap.2024.45.230072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Background: Dupilumab has been shown to be effective in clinical trials for moderate-to-severe uncontrolled asthma. However, the efficacy of dupilumab in the real world and the prediction of treatment response have not been well studied in patients with asthma. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of dupilumab and explore predictors of super-responders in a Chinese retrospective cohort. Methods: From January 2021 through December 2022, the patients with uncontrolled asthma who were treated with dupilumab for 4 months were included. Symptom control, type 2 inflammatory biomarkers, and lung function were collected at baseline and follow-up for efficacy assessment. Super-responders were defined as exacerbation-free, off maintenance of oral corticosteroids (mOCS), and with a score of the five-item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5) of <0.5. The uni- and multivariable logistic regressions were used to construct predictive models for super-responders based on baseline features. Results: A total of 53 patients were included. After 4 months treatment, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) ACQ-5 score decreased from 1.8 (1.6-2.4) to 0.4 (0.2-0.8) (p < 0.001), the median (IQR) number of exacerbations, from 0.0 (0.0-1.0) to 0.0 (0.0-0.0) (p = 0.005). The median (IQR) dose of mOCS (prednisone equivalent) decreased from 15.0 mg/day (8.8-22.5 mg/day) to 2.5 mg/day (0.0-10.0 mg/day) (p = 0.008) in nine patients who were receiving mOCS. All efficacy assessment parameters, including sputum eosinophil were significantly improved, while blood eosinophil count did not decline (530 cells/mm³ [300-815 cells/mm³] versus 560 cells/mm³ [220-938 cells/mm³], p = 0.710). After taking dupilumab, 25 of 53 patients (47.2%) achieved a super-response. The age of onset < 42 years (odds ratio [OR] 7.471 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.286-43.394) and the baseline fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) of 25-50 ppb (OR 35.038 [95% CI, 3.104-395.553]) predicted super-responders, which showed a C-index of 0.822 (95% CI, 0.697-0.947). Conclusion: Dupilumab significantly improved symptom control, type 2 inflammatory markers, and lung function in Chinese patients with uncontrolled asthma. Airway eosinophils, rather than blood eosinophils, can be a reliable indicator of therapeutic efficacy. The early-onset asthma as well as the medium-high level of baseline FeNO contributed to the prediction of super-responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Chen
- From the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huiting Luo
- From the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenbo Yan
- From the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kailun Tang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junfeng Huang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuojia Xie
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, and
| | - Zhenxuan Lin
- From the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenle Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, and
| | - Xu Shi
- From the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mo Xian
- From the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wanjun Wang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- From the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruchong Chen
- From the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Park HW, Cho SH. Management of Elderly Asthma: Key Questions and Tentative Answers. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 15:8-18. [PMID: 36693354 PMCID: PMC9880298 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2023.15.1.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The aging lung undergoes structural changes, immunosenescence, and inflammation, rendering the elderly more susceptible to developing obstructive airway disease. Thus, asthma in those of chronological age ≥ 65 years is not rare. Elderly asthma (EA) imposes considerable burdens in terms of mortality and morbidity, and expenditure. However, clinicians lack knowledge of EA and thus often prescribe inappropriate management. In this review, we ask 3 key questions frequently encountered during EA diagnosis and treatment: 1) Is EA different?; 2) How can we appropriately diagnose EA?; 3) Are there management strategies specific to EA? Based on recent studies, we provide tentative answers as follows: 1) late-onset EA differs in clinical features and pathogenetic mechanisms from non-EA, and thus further phenotypic and endotypic characterization of EA is needed; 2) both over- and under-diagnosis of asthma in the elderly can be reduced if the objective diagnostic tests are appropriately performed; 3) cautious prescription of ICS to selected EA patients should be encouraged, and a multifaceted approach which involves increasing medical awareness and inhaler use proficiency and adherence, seeking the assistance of caregivers, and correcting micronutrient deficiencies is required to reduce acute exacerbations in EA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heung-Woo Park
- Divison of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Heon Cho
- Divison of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Rogers L, Holweg CT, Pazwash H, Ko J, Louie S. Age of asthma onset does not impact the response to omalizumab. Chron Respir Dis 2023; 20:14799731231159673. [PMID: 36852748 PMCID: PMC10071096 DOI: 10.1177/14799731231159673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
TRIAL REGISTRATION These studies were conducted before clinical trial registration was required; therefore, clinical trial registration numbers are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Rogers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, 5925Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Jinnie Ko
- 7412Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Samuel Louie
- Department of Internal Medicine, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Benfante A, Tomasello A, Gianquinto E, Cicero MN, Scichilone N. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for elderly asthma patients: the importance of multidisciplinary and multidimensional management. Expert Rev Respir Med 2023; 17:459-468. [PMID: 37194689 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2023.2215432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma is commonly considered a disease of younger ages; however, it is not infrequent to pose a diagnosis of the disease in older individuals. Although current recommendations do not distinguish between young and old asthmatics in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, asthma in the elderly may present with peculiar features that contribute to complicate its management. AREAS COVERED The current review focuses on the challenges that arise when approaching an older individual with suspected asthma. Age-associated changes of the lung may complicate the diagnostic approach. Measurement of the forced expiratory volume in the first 6 s (FEV6) in an easier and faster alternative to FVC estimation, and residual volume should always be assessed. Older individuals are often affected by concomitant diseases, both age- and drug-related, that need to be considered when approaching elderly asthmatics, since they can affect the efficacy of the treatment as well as the control of the disease. EXPERT OPINION The potential drug to drug interaction should be routinely investigated, and documented in medical records. The effect of aging on the response to pharmacological therapy in older asthmatics should be explored. Therefore, the need of a multidisciplinary and multidimensional approach to the elderly asthmatics is strongly encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alida Benfante
- PROMISE Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Hanania NA, Niven R, Chanez P, Antoine D, Pfister P, Garcia Conde L, Jaumont X. Long-term effectiveness and safety of omalizumab in pediatric and adult patients with moderate-to-severe inadequately controlled allergic asthma. World Allergy Organ J 2022; 15:100695. [PMID: 36254180 PMCID: PMC9519799 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola A. Hanania
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Corresponding author. Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX, 77030 USA
| | - Robert Niven
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Pascal Chanez
- Clinique des Bronches, de l'Allergie et du Sommeil, Department of Respiratory Diseases, APHM, Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Deschildre Antoine
- CHU Lille, Université Nord de France, unité de pneumologie et allergologie pédiatriques, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, 59000 Lille, France
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Fomina DS, Mukhina OA, Lebedkina MS, Gadzhieva MK, Bobrikova EN, Sinyavkin DO, Parshin VV, Chernov AA, Belevskiy AS. Analysis of predictors of response to anti-IgE therapy in patients with severe atopic bronchial asthma in real clinical practice. TERAPEVT ARKH 2022; 94:413-419. [DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2022.03.201437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. Guidelines on Biological Therapy for Bronchial Asthma of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) identified a number of controversial issues for additional outcome analysis using randomized clinical trials and data from routine clinical practice. In particular, there is unmet need to clarify algorithms for prescribing biologicals using predictors of response and its timing, taking into account risk factors and multimorbidity. Omalizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody of IgG1 class used for the treatment of severe refractory atopic bronchial asthma (BA) and a variety of IgE-mediated diseases. Among biological agents, this "pioneer molecule" has the greatest experience in the "allergology and immunology" profile. Detailed description of the "nonresponders" portraits will allow to perform the therapy response assessment on time and facilitate rational planning of individual therapy, which is a prerequisite for biologicals era. Using only routine methods, it is possible to perform initial and dynamic screening to phenotype a heterogeneous cohort of patients with severe asthma and chose the optimal strategy.
Aim. To identify predictors of nonresponse to omalizumab anti-IgE therapy in patients with severe atopic BA and to establish optimal timing of efficacy assessment using retrospective analysis of data from the Biologic Therapy Registry of Allergology and Immunology in routine clinical practice.
Materials and methods. A retrospective single-center registry study was conducted at the Allergy and Immunology Reference Center from June 2017 to August 2021. 135 patients with severe BA, with confirmed perennial sensitization, who received omalizumab according to the recommendations of the current version of GINA, were selected from the clinical and dynamic observational system (registry). Dosing regimen and administration frequency of omalizumab were determined in accordance with the instructions for the drug. Assessment of therapy efficacy was performed at the time point 4, 6 and 12 months. Patients were subgrouped into "responders" and "non-responders" according to the following criteria: ACT score less than 19 and/or difference between initial ACT score in dynamics less than 3 points; forced expiratory volume in the first second less than 80%; combination of these two criteria. Nonparametric methods of descriptive statistics were used in data processing: median, interquartile range. Differences were considered significant at p0.05. MannWhitney U-test, KruskalWallis one-way analysis of variance, and Fisher's 2 test were used to compare quantitative characteristics.
Results. Heterogeneous subgroups of patients differing in reaching the criteria of "non-responders" to treatment were identified; the informativity of modifiable and unmodifiable factors differed at time-points of dynamic observation. In the differential analysis, two profiles of "nonresponders" were defined in combination with the most significant predictors of "nonrsponse" to omalizumab. According to the data obtained, one of the clinical phenotypes, namely the combination of severe asthma with the Samters triad, corresponded to the characteristics of the patient "nonresponders": age of onset is about 30 years, females, severe exacerbations of BA while taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, accompanied with high levels of eosinophilia.
Conclusion. The data obtained illustrates the hypothesis of pathogenetic heterogeneity of severe BA with the phenomenon of overlapping phenotypes and can serve as an additional orienteer for creating the individual plan of anti-IgE therapy in real clinical practice.
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Omalizumab: An Optimal Choice for Patients with Severe Allergic Asthma. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020165. [PMID: 35207654 PMCID: PMC8878072 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Omalizumab is the first monoclonal antibody that was globally approved as a personalized treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma. This review summarizes the knowledge of almost two decades of use of omalizumab to answer some important everyday clinical practice questions, concerning its efficacy and safety and its association with other asthma-related and drug-related parameters. Evidence suggests that omalizumab improves asthma control and reduces the incidence and frequency of exacerbations in patients with severe allergic asthma. Omalizumab is also effective in those patients in reducing corticosteroid use and healthcare utilization, while it also seems to improve lung function. Several biomarkers have been recognized in predicting its efficacy in its target group of patients, while the optimal duration for evaluating its efficacy is between 16 and 32 weeks.
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Switch from Omalizumab to Benralizumab in Allergic Patients with Severe Eosinophilic Asthma: A Real-Life Experience from Southern Italy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121822. [PMID: 34944638 PMCID: PMC8698313 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. The wide availability of monoclonal antibodies for the add-on therapy of severe asthma currently allows for the personalization of biologic treatment by selecting the most appropriate drug for each patient. However, subjects with overlapping allergic and eosinophilic phenotypes can be often eligible to more than one biologic, so that the first pharmacologic choice can be quite challenging for clinicians. Within such a context, the aim of our real-life investigation was to verify whether allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, not adequately controlled by an initial biologic treatment with omalizumab, could experience better therapeutic results from a pharmacologic shift to benralizumab. Patients and methods. Twenty allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, unsuccessfully treated with omalizumab and then switched to benralizumab, were assessed for at least 1 year in order to detect eventual changes in disease exacerbations, symptom control, oral corticosteroid intake, lung function, and blood eosinophils. Results. In comparison to the previous omalizumab therapy, after 1 year of treatment with benralizumab our patients experienced significant improvements in asthma exacerbation rate (p < 0.01), rescue medication need (p < 0.001), asthma control test (ACT) score (p < 0.05), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (p < 0.05), and blood eosinophil count (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, with respect to the end of omalizumab treatment, the score of sino-nasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) significantly decreased after therapy with benralizumab (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The results of this real-life study suggest that the pharmacologic shift from omalizumab to benralizumab can be a valuable therapeutic approach for allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, not adequately controlled by anti-IgE treatment.
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Czira A, Turner M, Martin A, Hinds D, Birch H, Gardiner F, Zhang S. A systematic literature review of burden of illness in adults with uncontrolled moderate/severe asthma. Respir Med 2021; 191:106670. [PMID: 34883444 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited published data on the burden of moderate/severe uncontrolled asthma. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review to better understand the impact of moderate-to-severe asthma in the US, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Canada, Japan, and Australia in terms of prevalence, clinical measures, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and economic burden, for patients whose asthma is uncontrolled despite inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist (ICS/LABA) therapy. RESULTS The prevalence of uncontrolled asthma among patients with moderate/severe disease varied but was as high as 100% in some subgroups. Patients with uncontrolled asthma generally had poor lung function (mean/median pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]: 1.69-2.45 L; mean/median pre-bronchodilator percent predicted FEV1: 57.2-79.7). There was also a substantial but variable exacerbation burden associated with uncontrolled asthma, with the annualised rate of exacerbations ranging from 1.30 to 7.30 when considering various patient subgroups. Furthermore, the annualised rate of severe exacerbations ranged from 1.66 to 3.60. The HRQoL burden measured using disease-specific and generic instruments consistently demonstrated substantial impairment of HRQoL for those with uncontrolled asthma; Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores ranged from 3.00 to 5.20, whilst EurQol-5 Dimensions index scores ranged from 0.53 to 0.59. Direct, indirect and total costs together with consumption of other healthcare resources associated with managing uncontrolled asthma were also substantial in the population studied; no caregiver burden was identified. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that significant unmet needs exist for patients with uncontrolled asthma despite the availability of ICS/LABA therapy. Novel treatments are needed to help reduce the burden to patients, healthcare systems and society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Turner
- Evidera, Evidence Synthesis, Modeling & Communication, Waltham, MA, United States.
| | - Amber Martin
- Evidera, Evidence Synthesis, Modeling & Communication, Waltham, MA, United States.
| | - David Hinds
- GSK, R&D Global Medical, Collegeville, PA, United States.
| | - Helen Birch
- GSK, R&D Global Medical, Brentford, Middlesex, UK.
| | | | - Shiyuan Zhang
- GSK, R&D Global Medical, Collegeville, PA, United States.
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Busse WW, Paggiaro P, Muñoz X, Casale TB, Castro M, Canonica GW, Douglass JA, Tohda Y, Daizadeh N, Ortiz B, Pandit-Abid N. Impact of baseline patient characteristics on dupilumab efficacy in type 2 asthma. Eur Respir J 2021; 58:13993003.04605-2020. [PMID: 34326187 PMCID: PMC8522685 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.04605-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Severe asthma affects an estimated 5–10% of the total asthma patient population [1]. Various demographic factors, such as sex, age, obesity and age of onset, have been associated with asthma disease severity [2, 3], and the efficacy of asthma treatments has previously been found to vary depending on patient demographics [4, 5]. Dupilumab treatment versus placebo improved exacerbation rate and lung function outcomes in patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma and high type 2 biomarkers at baseline, regardless of baseline characteristics in the phase 3 QUEST studyhttps://bit.ly/3yR7MlD
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Affiliation(s)
- William W Busse
- UW Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Xavier Muñoz
- Pneumology Department, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Mario Castro
- University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | - Jo A Douglass
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Yuji Tohda
- Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University Hospital, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan
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Bousquet J, Humbert M, Gibson PG, Kostikas K, Jaumont X, Pfister P, Nissen F. Real-World Effectiveness of Omalizumab in Severe Allergic Asthma: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:2702-2714. [PMID: 33486142 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of clinical outcomes in the real-world corroborates findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis evaluated real-world data of omalizumab on treatment response, lung function, exacerbations, oral corticosteroid (OCS) use, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), health care resource utilization (HCRU), and school/work absenteeism at 4, 6, and 12 months after treatment. METHODS Observational studies in patients with severe allergic asthma (≥6 years) treated with omalizumab for ≥16 weeks, published from January 2005 to October 2018, were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. A random-effects model was used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS In total, 86 publications were included. Global evaluation of treatment effectiveness (GETE) was good/excellent in 77% patients at 16 weeks (risk difference: 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-0.84; I2 = 96%) and in 82% patients at 12 months (0.82, 0.73-0.91; 97%). The mean improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 160, 220, and 250 mL at 16 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months, respectively. There was a decrease in Asthma Control Questionnaire score at 16 weeks (-1.14), 6 months (-1.56), and 12 months (-1.13) after omalizumab therapy. Omalizumab significantly reduced annualized rate of severe exacerbations (risk ratio [RR]: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.30-0.56; I2 = 96%), proportion of patients receiving OCS (RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.47-0.75; I2 = 96%), and number of unscheduled physician visits (mean difference: -2.34, 95% CI: -3.54 to -1.13; I2 = 98%) at 12 months versus baseline. CONCLUSION The consistent improvements in GETE, lung function, and PROs, and reductions in asthma exacerbations, OCS use, and HCRU with add-on omalizumab in real-life confirm and complement the efficacy data of RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Bousquet
- Contre les Maladies Chroniques pour un VIeillissement Actif (MACVIA) en France European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing Reference Site, Montpellier, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Comprehensive Allergy Center, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Marc Humbert
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France; AP-HP, Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Peter G Gibson
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Disease, the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Konstantinos Kostikas
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Ioannina Medical School, Ioannina, Greece
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Faulkner KM, MacDonald K, Abraham I, Alhossan A, Lee CS. 'Real-world' effectiveness of omalizumab in adults with severe allergic asthma: a meta-analysis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 17:73-83. [PMID: 33307892 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1856658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Severe asthma affects 5-10% of the 350 million people with asthma worldwide. Findings from the authors' previous meta-analysis supported omalizumab use as an adjuvant treatment for severe allergic asthma. The publication of fourteen new articles necessitates an update of the meta-analysis.Objective: To evaluate the 'real-world' effectiveness of omalizumab in the treatment of acute allergic asthma in adults by calculating pooled effects estimates from data in published articles.Methods: Articles on omalizumab effectiveness in 'real-world' settings were identified. Effect sizes, including point estimates of the proportion of patients who met a given criteria, mean improvements relative to baseline, and change in the proportion of patients requiring oral corticosteroids compared to baseline were extracted. Meta-analysis of proportions was conducted to pool effect sizes based on proportions. Standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) were calculated from means and standard deviations. Relative risk was calculated from changes in proportions. Variability within and between studies was evaluated.Results: Omalizumab increases the percentage of individuals rated 'good' or 'excellent' on the Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness Scale. Omalizumab also improves respiratory function, quality-of-life, and asthma control while reducing medication usage, exacerbations, hospitalizations, and adverse events.Conclusion: 'Real-world' evidence continues to support the use of omalizumab as adjuvant treatment for severe allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth M Faulkner
- Connell School of Nursing, Boston College William F, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.,School of Nursing, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Ivo Abraham
- Division of Research, Matrix45, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Health Outcomes and PharmacoEconomic Research, University of Arizona Center For, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Pharmacy and College of Medicine, University of Arizona College Of, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Christopher S Lee
- Connell School of Nursing, Boston College William F, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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Albertson TE, Pugashetti JV, Chau-Etchepare F, Chenoweth JA, Murin S. Pharmacotherapeutic management of asthma in the elderly patient. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 21:1991-2010. [PMID: 32686969 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1795131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma is a heterogeneous syndrome with variable phenotypes. Reversible airway obstruction and airway hyper-responsiveness often with an atopic or eosinophilic component is common in the elderly asthmatic. Asthma chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome (ACOS), a combination of atopy-mediated airway hyper-responsiveness and a history of smoking or other environmental noxious exposures, can lead to some fixed airway obstruction and is also common in elderly patients. Little specific data exist for the treating the elderly asthmatic, thus requiring the clinician to extrapolate from general adult data and asthma treatment guidelines. AREAS COVERED A stepwise approach to pharmacotherapy of the elderly patient with asthma and ACOS is offered and the literature supporting the use of each class of drugs reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Inhaled, long-acting bronchodilators in combination with inhaled corticosteroids represent the backbone of treatment for the elderly patient with asthma or ACOS . Beyond these medications used as direct bronchodilators and topical anti-inflammatory agents, a stepwise approach to escalation of therapy includes multiple options such as oral leukotriene receptor antagonist or 5-lipoxygense inhibitor therapy, oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors, systemic corticosteroids, oral macrolide antibiotics and if evidence of eosinophilic/atopic component disease exists then modifying monoclonal antibody therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E Albertson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, U. C. Davis , Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, U. C. Davis , Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Northern California Health Care System , Mather, CA, USA
| | - Janelle V Pugashetti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, U. C. Davis , Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Northern California Health Care System , Mather, CA, USA
| | - Florence Chau-Etchepare
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, U. C. Davis , Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Northern California Health Care System , Mather, CA, USA
| | - James A Chenoweth
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, U. C. Davis , Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Northern California Health Care System , Mather, CA, USA
| | - Susan Murin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, U. C. Davis , Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Northern California Health Care System , Mather, CA, USA
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Omalizumab Treatment Patterns Among Patients with Asthma in the US Medicare Population. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2019; 8:507-515.e10. [PMID: 31336178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma in older adults is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality; similarly, asthma can be severe enough among younger adults to warrant disability benefits. Reasons for poor outcomes in both groups of patients may include discontinuation and lack of adherence to controller therapies. OBJECTIVE To examine characteristics and treatment patterns of US Medicare patients initiating omalizumab for asthma, and factors associated with its discontinuation and adherence. METHODS A retrospective claims database analysis of Medicare beneficiaries with asthma initiating omalizumab treatment was carried out. The primary outcomes were omalizumab discontinuation (gap in use ≥90 days) and adherence (proportion of days covered ≥0.8) over a 12-month follow-up. Multivariable regressions were used to examine factors associated with omalizumab discontinuation and adherence. RESULTS Of the 3058 Medicare patients initiating omalizumab for asthma (mean age, 62.7 years), 36.9% discontinued omalizumab and 60.6% were adherent. Discontinuation rates were 32.7% and 42.8%, and adherence rates were 65.4% and 53.9%, for disabled and older Medicare patients, respectively. Patients aged 65 to 69 years and 70 to 74 years had significantly lower odds of discontinuation (odds ratios [95% CI], 0.66 [0.46-0.93] and 0.62 [0.43-0.89], respectively) and higher odds of adherence than did patients aged 80 years or older. Compared with patients receiving low-income subsidy, patients not receiving low-income subsidy had lower odds of discontinuation (0.66 [0.52-0.83]) and higher odds of adherence (1.52 [1.20-1.93]). Greater numbers of preindex evaluation and management physician visits and comorbid rhinitis were associated with lower odds of discontinuation and higher odds of adherence. CONCLUSIONS More than 60% of Medicare patients with asthma continued and were adherent to omalizumab over a 12-month follow-up. Patient age, low-income subsidy status, and the numbers of evaluation and management physician visits were among factors associated with treatment adherence and discontinuation.
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Benfante A, Principe S, Battaglia S, Scichilone N. Are biological drugs effective and safe in older severe asthmatics? Expert Opin Drug Saf 2019; 18:369-380. [PMID: 30983432 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2019.1607838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The treatment of asthma in older ages follows the recommendations of international guidelines for the management of asthma in younger ages, although older age has always represented an exclusion criterion for eligibility to pharmacological trials. This poses a clinical challenge when deciding whether elderly severe asthmatics are candidates for biological drugs. AREAS COVERED The current article has a narrative structure to review the current literature on efficacy and safety of novel pharmacological drugs against immunoglobulins and interleukins that mediate and orchestrate the main inflammatory pathways in severe asthma, in order to explore whether older subjects (i.e. > 65 years of age) are included. EXPERT OPINION Asthma in older ages is not a rare entity, and loss of symptom control is common in most advanced ages. Current evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the safety of biological drugs in elderly asthmatics is scarce and does not allow drawing definitive conclusions. An urgent call for studies specifically designed for elderly populations is needed, with the purpose to assess the efficacy and safety of target biological therapies in advanced ages. We envision the design of large multi-center clinical trials to decide whether and when geriatric population could benefit from biological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alida Benfante
- a Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIBIMIS) , University of Palermo , Palermo , Italy
| | - Stefania Principe
- a Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIBIMIS) , University of Palermo , Palermo , Italy
| | - Salvatore Battaglia
- a Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIBIMIS) , University of Palermo , Palermo , Italy
| | - Nicola Scichilone
- a Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIBIMIS) , University of Palermo , Palermo , Italy
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MacDonald KM, Kavati A, Ortiz B, Alhossan A, Lee CS, Abraham I. Short- and long-term real-world effectiveness of omalizumab in severe allergic asthma: systematic review of 42 studies published 2008-2018. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:553-569. [PMID: 30763137 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2019.1574571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Omalizumab is a recombinant monoclonal anti-IgE antibody approved in the US as add-on treatment in moderate-to-severe allergic asthma (in severe allergic asthma [SAA] in Europe). A 2016 review of 24 real-world effectiveness studies in SAA published between 2008-2015 concluded that omalizumab was associated with significant improvements in objective and subjective outcomes with benefits extending beyond 2 years. Several new real-world studies have been published since, bringing the total to 42 studies. Areas covered: This systematic review of 42 studies published since 2008 updates and extends the 2016 review on the real-word evidence on omalizumab in SAA. It offers greater granularity as to time windows within which outcomes are reported and includes studies extending well beyond 4 years post omalizumab initiation. Expert commentary: This review firmly establishes the short-term effectiveness of omalizumab in adolescent and adult patients with SAA at 1 year, and provides strong evidence of long-term effectiveness up to 4 years and emergent evidence of effectiveness beyond 4 years. In the aggregate, these 42 studies underscore the long-term effectiveness of omalizumab in terms of: reducing exacerbations and symptoms, achieving asthma control, improving lung function, enhancing quality of life, decreasing emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and promoting concomitant medication-sparing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abhishek Kavati
- b Health Economics & Outcomes Research , Novartis , East Hanover , NJ , USA
| | - Benjamin Ortiz
- c Clinical Development & Medical Affairs , Novartis , East Hanover , NJ , USA
| | | | - Christopher S Lee
- a Division of Research , Matrix45 , Tucson , AZ , USA.,e Boston College , Connell School of Nursing , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Ivo Abraham
- a Division of Research , Matrix45 , Tucson , AZ , USA.,f Center for Health Outcomes and Pharmacoeconomic Research , University of Arizona , Tucson , AZ , USA.,g Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy , University of Arizona , Tucson , AZ , USA.,h Department of Family and Community Medicine , College of Medicine - Tucson, University of Arizona , Tucson , AZ , USA
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Nettis E, Cegolon L, Di Leo E, Canonica WG, Detoraki A. Omalizumab in elderly patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: An Italian real-life experience. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2018; 120:318-323. [PMID: 29508719 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Omalizumab therapy is effective and safe in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) resistant to nonsedating histamine1 (H1) antihistamines (nsAHs). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in elderly (aged ≥65 years) patients with nonsedating H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU in a real-life setting. METHODS Patients with nonsedating H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU (n = 322) treated with omalizumab administered every 4 weeks in doses of 300 mg for 24 weeks were divided into 2 groups according to age at omalizumab treatment onset: 15 to 64 years and 65 years or older. Treatment response was assessed using a 7-day urticaria activity score (UAS7). Adverse effects of omalizumab therapy were recorded. RESULTS Among patients, 32 (9.9%) were 65 years or older. At baseline, CSU characteristics were generally similar among the groups, although the presence of angioedema was statistically significantly lower in patients younger than 65 years. Any differences in weekly itch severity score, hive score, and UAS7 between the 2 age groups were not significant at weeks 4, 12, and 24, with the exception of the hive score at 24 weeks and the UAS7 at week 24. No significant between-group differences were seen in the proportion of patients with a UAS7 of 6 or lower and with a UAS7 score of 0 at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 40. The proportion of patients with at least one adverse event reported as suspected to be caused by study drug was 10% in the younger group vs 6.3% in the older group (P = .53). CONCLUSION Our study found that omalizumab is a well-tolerated and effective therapy for elderly patients with nonsedating H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eustachio Nettis
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Luca Cegolon
- Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Di Leo
- Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Unit of Internal Medicine-"F. Miulli" Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Walter Giorgio Canonica
- Department of Internal Medicine, Respiratory Disease Clinic, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Aikaterini Detoraki
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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Taillé C, Pison C, Nocent C, Devouassoux G, Prud'homme A, Gruber A, Gunsoy N, Albers F. [Patients in the IDEAL cohort: A snapshot of severe asthma in France]. Rev Mal Respir 2018; 36:179-190. [PMID: 30429093 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This paper reports the French data from a post-hoc analysis of the international IDEAL study, which aimed to describe a recent cohort of patients with severe asthma, the impact of the disease on quality of life, as well as the population of patients eligible for treatment with omalizumab, mepolizumab and reslizumab. METHODS Eligible patients were≥12 years of age, with severe asthma (GINA steps 4 and 5). RESULTS A total of 129 patients were included in this post-hoc analysis. Their mean age was 53 years, the majority were overweight, they were mainly women (64%) and had at least one medical comorbidity (85%). More than half had suffered from asthma for more than 25 years and were non-smokers. Lung function was moderately impaired. Blood eosinophil count was≥150 cells/μL in 66% of patients,≥300 cells/μL in 34% of patients, and≥500 cells/μL in 12% of patients. One out of three patients was currently treated with omalizumab and 24% had maintenance oral corticosteroids. Asthma was poorly controlled with a negative impact on quality of life (ACQ≥1.5) in 67% of patients. In this population 40% of patients were eligible for omalizumab, 27% for mepolizumab and 2% for reslizumab. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that a considerable proportion of patients with severe asthma remain uncontrolled and are not eligible for any of the available biological treatments. This underlines the need for therapeutic innovations in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Taillé
- Service de pneumologie, centre de référence constitutif des maladies pulmonaires rares, DHU FIRE, hôpital Bichat, AP-HP, 46, rue Henri-Huchard, 75877 Paris cedex 18, France; Inserm U1152, université Paris-Diderot, Labex Inflamex, 75018 Paris, France.
| | - C Pison
- Service hospitalier universitaire pneumologie physiologie, pôle thorax et vaisseaux, université Grenoble Alpes, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38043 Grenoble cedex, France
| | - C Nocent
- Service de pneumologie, centre hospitalier de la côte basque, 64100 Bayonne, France
| | - G Devouassoux
- Service de pneumologie, hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, hospices civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
| | - A Prud'homme
- Service de pneumologie, centre hospitalier de Bigorre, Tarbes, 65013 Vic-en-Bigorre, France
| | - A Gruber
- GSK, 92500 Rueil-Malmaison, France
| | - N Gunsoy
- GSK, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Royaume-Uni
| | - F Albers
- GSK, Research Triangle Park, NC, États-Unis
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21
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IgE and T-cell responses to house dust mite allergen components. Mol Immunol 2018; 100:120-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Sposato B, Scalese M, Milanese M, Masieri S, Cavaliere C, Latorre M, Scichilone N, Matucci A, Vultaggio A, Ricci A, Cresti A, Santus P, Perrella A, Paggiaro PL. Factors reducing omalizumab response in severe asthma. Eur J Intern Med 2018; 52:78-85. [PMID: 29395935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite adding Omalizumab to conventional therapy, several severe asthmatics still show poor disease control. We investigated the factors that may affect a reduced Omalizumab response in a large population of severe asthmatics. METHODS 340 patients were retrospectively evaluated. FEV1%, FVC%, Asthma Control Test (ACT), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), possible step-downs/step-ups of concomitant therapies, exacerbations, disease control levels, ICS doses and SABA use, observed at the end of treatment, were considered as a response to Omalizumab. RESULTS Age was an independent risk factor for a reduced response concerning FEV1%, FVC%, ACT and for a lower asthma control. Obesity (vs normal weight) was a determinant condition for exacerbations (OR:3.114[1.509-6.424], p = 0.002), for a disease partial/no control (OR:2.665[1.064-6.680], p = 0.036), for excessive SABA use (OR:4.448[1.837-10.768], p = 0.002) and for an unchanged/increased level of concomitant asthma medications. Furthermore, obesity also reduced the response in FEV1 (β = -6.981,p = 0.04), FVC (β = -11.689,p = 0.014) and ACT (β = -2.585, p = 0.027) and was associated with a higher FENO level (β = 49.045,p = 0.040). Having at least one comorbidity was a risk factor for exacerbations (OR:1.383[1.128-1.697], p = 0.008) and for an ACT <20 (OR:2.410[1.071-3.690], p = 0.008). Specifically, chronic heart disease was associated with both a lower ACT and FVC% whereas gastroesophageal reflux with a partial/no asthma control. Nasal polyps were a predisposing factor leading both to exacerbations and to the use of higher inhaled corticosteroids doses. Moreover, smoking habits, pollen or dog/cat dander co-sensitizations may negatively influence Omalizumab response. CONCLUSION Age, obesity, comorbidities, smoking habits, nasal polyps, allergic poly-sensitization might reduce Omalizumab effectiveness independently to other asthma-influencing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sposato
- Pneumology Department, Misericordia Hospital, Grosseto, Italy.
| | - M Scalese
- Institute of Clinical Phisiology, CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Milanese
- Pneumology Department, S.Corona Hospital, Pietra Ligure, Italy
| | - S Masieri
- Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University, Roma, Italy
| | - C Cavaliere
- Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University, Roma, Italy
| | - M Latorre
- Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Department, Pathophysiology Unit, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - N Scichilone
- DIMPEFINU, Unit of Pneumology and Medicine, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - A Matucci
- Immunoallergology Unit, Department of Medicine and Geriatric, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - A Vultaggio
- Immunoallergology Unit, Department of Medicine and Geriatric, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - A Ricci
- Division of Pneumology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, AOU Sant'Andrea, Rome, Italy
| | - A Cresti
- Cardiology Department, Misericordia Hospital, Grosseto, Italy
| | - P Santus
- Department of Biomedical And Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), University of Milan, Respiratory Unit, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital; ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - A Perrella
- Pneumology Department, Misericordia Hospital, Grosseto, Italy
| | - P L Paggiaro
- Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Department, Pathophysiology Unit, University of Pisa, Italy
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Baptist AP, Busse PJ. Asthma Over the Age of 65: All's Well That Ends Well. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2018; 6:764-773. [PMID: 29747982 PMCID: PMC5951417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Asthma in older adults (often classified as those 65 years or older) is relatively common, underdiagnosed, and suboptimally treated. It is an important health problem, as the population of the United States continues to age. Unfortunately, asthma morbidity and mortality rates are highest in this age group. Alterations in the innate and adaptive immune responses occur with aging, and contribute to pathophysiologic differences and subsequent treatment challenges. The symptoms of asthma may differ from those in younger populations, and often include fatigue. There are unique factors that can complicate asthma management among older adults, including comorbidities, menopause, caregiver roles, and depression. Pharmacologic therapies are often not as effective as in younger populations, and may have greater side effects. Spirometry, peak flow measurements, and asthma education are typically underused, and may contribute to delays in diagnosis as well as worse outcomes. There are specific strategies that health care providers can take to improve the care of older adults with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan P Baptist
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
| | - Paula J Busse
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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Caruso M, Morjaria J, Emma R, Amaradio MD, Polosa R. Biologic agents for severe asthma patients: clinical perspectives and implications. Intern Emerg Med 2018; 13:155-176. [PMID: 29238905 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-017-1773-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory multifactorial disorder of the airways characterized by the involvement of immune cells and mediators in its onset and maintenance. Traditional therapeutic strategies have been unsatisfactory in controlling the underlying pathology, especially in the more severe states. Hence in the last couple of decades, new biological approaches targeting molecular mediators have been developed. In this narrative review we examine biological agents currently available for the management of severe asthma, focusing our attention on their clinical application, pros and cons, and in particular on gaps regarding the use of these agents. The most well-known and used biologic agent in clinical practice is omalizumab, though there is emerging evidence for mepolizumab too. The future of these biological therapies is to broaden our knowledge of their practical use and ascertain predictive biomarkers, or define an algorithm, useful in the optimal application of these 'biological weapons'.
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MESH Headings
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents/pharmacokinetics
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacokinetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacokinetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Asthma/drug therapy
- Biological Factors/pharmacokinetics
- Biological Factors/pharmacology
- Biological Factors/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Interleukin-5/antagonists & inhibitors
- Interleukin-5/pharmacology
- Interleukin-5/therapeutic use
- Omalizumab/pharmacokinetics
- Omalizumab/pharmacology
- Omalizumab/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Caruso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele, Università degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Rosalia Emma
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele, Università degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Domenica Amaradio
- Department of Internal and Emergency Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
| | - Riccardo Polosa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele, Università degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
- Department of Internal and Emergency Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
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Abstract
Because the pathophysiology of asthma has diverse characteristics, to manage the disease effectively, it is important for clinicians to distinguish among the clinical phenotypes. Among them, adult-onset asthma, that is, late-onset asthma (LOA), is increasing because of the aging of the population. The phenotype of LOA is largely divided into two types according to the presence or absence of eosinophilic inflammation, T-helper (Th)2- and non-Th2-associated LOA. Especially in Th2 LOA related to rhinosinusitis, as pulmonary function at onset is poor and asthma exacerbations occur frequently, it is important to detect this phenotype in the early phase by using a biomarker of Th2-type inflammation such as fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO). As non-Th2-LOA is often resistant to corticosteroids, this phenotype often requires another treatment strategy such as macrolide, diet, or smoking cessation. We often struggle with the management of LOA patients due to a lack of evidence; therefore, the elucidation of the mechanism of LOA contributes to increased efficiency of diagnosis and treatment of LOA. Age-related immune system and structural changes are thought to be associated with the pathophysiology of LOA. In the former case, changes in inflammatory cell function such as variations in the innate immune response and acquisition of autoimmunity or upregulation of oxidative stress are thought to be involved in the mechanism. Meanwhile, the latter can also become triggers or exacerbating factors of LOA via enhancement of airway hyperresponsiveness, decline in lung function, increased air trapping, and reduction in chest wall compliance. Therefore, appropriate individualized management in LOA may be possible through precisely assessing the pathophysiology based on age-related functional changes, including the immune and structural system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsunahiko Hirano
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Disease, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Kazuto Matsunaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Disease, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Dunn RM, Busse PJ, Wechsler ME. Asthma in the elderly and late-onset adult asthma. Allergy 2018; 73:284-294. [PMID: 28722758 DOI: 10.1111/all.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Elderly asthmatics are at a higher risk for morbidity and mortality from their asthma than younger patients. There are important age-related physiologic and immunologic changes that complicate the presentation, diagnosis, and management of asthma in the aged population. Evidence suggests that elderly asthmatics are more likely to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. Additionally, elderly patients with asthma have highest rates of morbidity and mortality from their disease than younger patients. The underlying airway inflammation of asthma in this age group likely differs from younger patients and is felt to be non-type 2 mediated. While elderly patients are underrepresented in clinical trials, subgroup analysis of large clinical trials suggests they may be less likely to respond to traditional asthma therapies (ie, corticosteroids). As the armamentarium of pharmacologic asthma therapies expands, it will be critical to include elderly asthmatics in large clinical trials so that therapy may be better tailored to this at-risk and growing population.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. M. Dunn
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; University of Colorado School of Medicine; Aurora CO USA
- National Jewish Health; Denver CO USA
| | - P. J. Busse
- Division of Clinical Immunology; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York NY USA
| | - M. E. Wechsler
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; National Jewish Health; Denver CO USA
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Pelaia C, Calabrese C, Terracciano R, de Blasio F, Vatrella A, Pelaia G. Omalizumab, the first available antibody for biological treatment of severe asthma: more than a decade of real-life effectiveness. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2018; 12:1753466618810192. [PMID: 30400762 PMCID: PMC6236630 DOI: 10.1177/1753466618810192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Omalizumab was the first, and for a long time the only available monoclonal antibody for the add-on treatment of severe allergic asthma. In particular, omalizumab selectively targets human immunoglobulin (Ig)E, forming small-size immune complexes that inhibit IgE binding to its high- and low-affinity receptors. Therefore, omalizumab effectively blunts the immune response in atopic asthmatic patients, thus significantly improving the control of asthma symptoms and successfully preventing disease exacerbations. These very positive effects of omalizumab make it possible to drastically decrease both referrals to the emergency room and hospitalizations for asthma exacerbations. Such important therapeutic actions of omalizumab have been documented by several randomized clinical trials, and especially by more than 10 years of real-life experience in daily clinical practice. Omalizumab can also interfere with airway remodelling by inhibiting the activation of IgE receptors located on structural cells such as bronchial epithelial cells and airway smooth muscle cells. Moreover, omalizumab is characterized by a very good safety and tolerability profile. Hence, omalizumab represents a valuable therapeutic option for the add-on biological treatment of severe allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences,
University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cecilia Calabrese
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Respiratory
Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Health Sciences, University ‘Magna
Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco de Blasio
- Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonary
Rehabilitation Section, Clinic Center Private Hospital, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences ‘V.
Tiberio’, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry,
University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences,
University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy; Campus
Universitario ‘Salvatore Venuta’, Viale Europa – Località Germaneto,
Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
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Can the response to Omalizumab be influenced by treatment duration? A real-life study. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2017; 44:38-45. [PMID: 28302544 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is unknown whether Omalizumab effectiveness changes over the course of time. Our retrospective real-life study tried to analyze whether Omalizumab response may be influenced by treatment duration. METHODS 340 severe asthmatics treated with Omalizumab for different periods of time were recruited. They were subdivided into 4 groups according to the Omalizumab treatment length: <12, between 12 and 24, between 24 and 60 and >60 months. Omalizumab treatment results (FEV1, exacerbations, ACT, SABA use, asthma control levels, medications used e and ICS doses) were compared. RESULTS ACT, exacerbations, GINA control levels, ICS doses and SABA use were similar in all groups with different Omalizumab treatment durations. Using a linear regression model, corrected for all confounding variables, a higher significant positive increase in FEV1% in subjects treated for 12-24 (β = 9.49; p = 0.034) or 24-60 months (β = 8.56; p = 0.043) was found when compared with subjects treated for a shorter period. Treatment duration was positively associated with a step down of the other associated therapies (OR: 1.013; p = 0.019). This association was more relevant (OR: 4.167; p = 0.005) when we considered Omalizumab treatment duration >60 months compared to the shorter therapy. In particular, the percentage of subjects that were taking Montelukast, LABAs and oral corticosteroids was lower in the group treated with Omalizumab for a longer period of time. CONCLUSION In real-life, the positive Omalizumab response remained stable for over 60 months. Long term Omalizumab treatment may lead to a discontinuation of some associated medications and to a slowing down of FEV1 decline.
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