Title:Blood Eosinophils as Biomarkers to Drive Treatment Choices in Asthma and COPD
Volume: 19
Issue: 16
Author(s): Konstantinos Kostikas, Caterina Brindicci and Francesco Patalano*
Affiliation:
- Novartis Pharma AG, Postfach CH-4002, Basel,Switzerland
Keywords:
Blood eosinophils, asthma, COPD, biomarkers, airway inflammation, treatment options.
Abstract: Background: 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 remain a priority.
Objective: 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.
Results: 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, the evidence is less robust. High blood eosinophil
counts are a modest predictor of future exacerbations, and may predict a favourable response to ICS
on top of LABA/LAMA, especially in patients with a history of frequent exacerbations.
Conclusion: Before extensive application in clinical practice, further evaluation of these findings in
prospective clinical studies, and standardization of the appropriate thresholds of clinically relevant
eosinophilia are needed, together with establishing whether single or multiple measurements are required
in different clinical settings.
