Blood eosinophils as biomarkers to drive treatment choices in asthma and COPD.

Blood eosinophils as biomarkers to drive treatment choices in asthma and COPD.
Curr Drug Targets. 2018 Feb 12;:
Authors: Patalano F, Kostikas K, Brindicci C
Abstract
Both asthma and COPD are complex, heterogeneous conditions comprising a wide range of phenotypes, some of which are refractory to currently available treatments. Elucidation of these phenotypes and identification of biomarkers with which to recognize them and guide appropriate treatment remains a priority. This review describes the utility of blood eosinophils as a surrogate biomarker of eosinophilic airway inflammation, a common feature of specific asthma and COPD phenotypes. The role of blood eosinophils in airway disease is described, as is their relevance in reflecting airway eosinophilia. Each disease is discussed separately as the manner in which blood eosinophils might be used as biomarkers differs. Focusing on patients with severe disease (persistent eosinophilic asthma and exacerbating COPD), we evaluate evidence examining eosinophils as biomarkers. In asthma, the rationale for using blood eosinophils to guide treatment is clearly defined, backed by prospective, well-controlled studies. Higher eosinophil counts identify patients with more severe disease and poorer outcomes; patients for whom biologic therapies targeting allergic and/or eosinophilic pathways are recommended. In COPD, however, the evidence is less robust. High blood eosinophil counts are a modest ...

Source: Current Drug Targets - February 12, 2018 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Patalano F, Kostikas K, Brindicci C Tags: Curr Drug Targets Source Type: research