Evaluating combination therapies for asthma: pros, cons, and comparative benefits.
Combination therapies with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and either long-acting beta2 agonists (LABA) or leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) are commonly used to help patients maintain control of their asthma. LABA and LTRA have different mechanisms of action and both provide complementary benefits when combined with ICS. This paper compares the two regimens based on recent clinical trial data, evaluates their efficacy on various clinical and quality of life outcomes, and discusses the importance of therapy choice in people with specific asthma phenotypes. The potential of new dosing strategies, including adjustable maintenance therapy and single-inhaler maintenance and reliever therapy is also reviewed. Given the variety of outcomes, phenotypes, and treatment strategies that must be considered, the importance of individualized management is emphasized.
Bjermer
Leif
L
Department of Respiratory Medicine & Allergology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. leif.bjermer@med.lu.se
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010641:Phenotype
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists