What We Know to Date About Early Treatment With Biologics in Severe Asthma: A Scoping Review About the Use of Biologics in Severe Asthma and Possible Parallels With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Introduction

Theoretically, an early intervention with biologics in severe asthma (SA) patients may attenuate inflammatory processes and potentially halt disease progression and remodeling. Changing the approach to a more preventive one could alter the course of the disease, avoid its progression, and improve the likelihood of achieving clinical remission. The aims of this study were to gather scientific evidence on this topic, to draw a parallel between SA and rheumathoid arthritis (RA) and to analyze the potential benefits of establishing early treatment in SA.

Material and methods

A systematic scoping review, conducted in accordance with the methodological guidance of the Arksey and O’Malley framework and focusing on early treatment intervention with biological drugs in SA and RA is presented.

Results

Evidence supports the early intervention with biologics in RA to improve outcomes. Evidence regarding early intervention with biologics in SA is scarce. To date, the literature reviewed suggests that better clinical condition of the patient and more preserved lung function at the onset of biological treatment, together with a shorter duration of asthma, are associated with better response to biologics.

Conclusions

Data suggests that the more preventive approach may lead to improved results. The scarcity of scientific evidence highlights the importance of pursuing this line of research.