Beliefs and preferences regarding biological treatments for severe asthma

Abstract

Background Severe asthma is a serious condition with a significant burden on patients' morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Some biological therapies targeting the IgE and interleukin-5 (IL5) mediated pathways are now available. Due to the lack of direct comparison studies, the choice of which medication to use varies. We aimed to explore the beliefs and practices in the use of biological therapies in severe asthma, hypothesizing that differences will occur depending on the prescribers’ specialty and experience. Methods We conducted an online survey composed of 35 questions in English. The survey was circulated via the INterasma Scientific Network (INESNET) platform as well as through social media. Responses from allergists and pulmonologists, both those with experience of prescribing omalizumab with (OMA/IL5) and without (OMA) experience with anti-IL5 drugs, were compared. Results Two hundred eighty-five (285) valid questionnaires from 37 countries were analyzed. Seventy-on percent (71%) of respondents prescribed biologics instead of oral glucocorticoids and believed that their side effects are inferior to those of Prednisone 5 mg daily. Agreement with ATS/ERS guidelines for identifying severe asthma patients was less than 50%. Specifically, significant differences were found comparing responses between allergists and pulmonologists (Chi-square test, p < 0.05) and between OMA/IL5 and OMA groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions Uncertainties and inconsistencies regarding the use of biological medications have been shown. The accuracy of prescribers to correctly identify asthma severity, according to guidelines criteria, is quite poor. Although a substantial majority of prescribers believe that biological drugs are safer than low dose long-term treatment with oral steroids, and that they must be used instead of oral steroids, every effort should be made to further increase awareness. Efficacy as disease modifiers, biomarkers for selecting responsive patients, timing for outcomes evaluation, and checks need to be addressed by further research. Practices and beliefs regarding the use of asthma biologics differ between the prescriber's specialty and experience; however, the latter seems more significant in determining beliefs and behavior. Tailored educational measures are needed to ensure research results are better integrated in daily practice.

Doxofylline for Pediatric Asthma Steps 1–4. Pediatric Asthma: New Role for an Old Drug

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“…Until the development of the first biologic agents, such as omalizumab, in the early 2000s, oral corticosteroids were the last line of defense in the treatment of severe asthma. However, corticosteroid use was associated with many deleterious effects, such as adrenal insufficiency, Cushing syndrome, glaucoma, cataracts, iatrogenic diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis [ 10 ]. In addition to such debilitating adverse effects, oral corticosteroids do not prevent airway remodeling as they have no effect on IL-33, the cytokine responsible for remodeling the airway in asthmatic patients [ 11 ].…”

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“… 8 , 9 , 10 A critical component of the successful clinical application of these drugs is finding suitable biomarkers to identify patients who may respond to treatment. 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 …”