Biologic therapies for severe asthma.

Brusselle GG, Koppelman GH. N Engl J Med. 2022;386(2):157-171.  

Controversies in allergy: choosing a biologic for patients with severe asthma.

Pavord ID, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022;10(2):410-419. 

A rational approach to compare and select biologic therapeutics in asthma.

Wang E, Wechsler ME. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2022;128(4):379-389. 

Targeting downstream type 2 cytokines or upstream epithelial alarmins for severe asthma.

Chan R, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022;10(6):1497-1505. 

Real-world assessment of asthma specialist visits among U.S. patients with severe asthma.

Most JF, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9(10):3662-3671.  

Need for racial and ethnic diversity in asthma precision medicine.

Burchard EG, Borrell LN. N Engl J Med. 2021; 385(24):2297-2298. 

Biologic use and outcomes among adults with severe asthma treated by US subspecialists.

Panettieri RA Jr, et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2022;129(4):467−474. 

How to assess effectiveness of biologics for asthma and what steps to take when there is not benefit.

Pepper AN, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9(3):1081-1088.  

Biological therapies for asthma.

Couillard Castonguay S, Pavord ID. Biological therapies for asthma. In: Janes S, ed. Encyclopedia of Respiratory Medicine. 2nd ed. Alpharetta, GA: Elsevier B.V.; 2021: 411-434. 

Tezepelumab in adults and adolescents with severe, uncontrolled asthma.

Menzies-Gow A, et al. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(19):1800-1809. 

Efficacy and safety of itepekimab in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma.

Wechsler ME, et al. N Engl J Med. 2021;385(18):1656-1668.   

Effect of tezepelumab on airway inflammatory cells, remodelling, and hyperresponsiveness in patients with moderate-to-severe uncontrolled asthma (CASCADE): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial.

Diver S, et al. Lancet Respir Med. 2021; 9(11):1299-1312.

Efficacy and safety of masitinib in corticosteroid-dependent severe asthma: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Davidescu L, et al. J Asthma Allergy. 2022;15:737-747.  

KIT inhibition by imatinib in patients with severe refractory asthma.

Cahill KN, et al. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(20):1911-1920. 

Bronchodilator responsiveness: an underappreciated biomarker for asthma exacerbations.

Busse WW, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022;10(1):229-230. 

Clinical outcomes and emergency health care utilization in patients with severe asthma who continued, switched, or stopped biologic therapy: results from the CLEAR study.

Ali N, et al. CHEST. 2022; 162(suppl 4):A23-A27. 

Clinical Practice Tools 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Asthma Action Plans

These tools for asthma control were created following the evidence-based guidance published by the National Institutes of Health.          

Asthma Control Test (ACT)

This 5-question test evaluates asthma control over the past 4 weeks on a 5-point Likert scale. A score of <20 on the ACT suggests asthma that is uncontrolled.  

Nathan RA, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2004;113(1):59-65. 

Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) 

This 7-question assessment tool measures asthma control over the past 7 days. Six questions are self-administered by the patient, and 1 question requires a clinician’s input. Scores range from 1 (totally controlled) to 6 (severely uncontrolled).  

Juniper EF, et al. Eur Respir J. 1999;14(4):902-907. 

Asthma Therapy Assessment Questionnaire (ATAQ)

This 4-question test assesses asthma control over the past 4 weeks. Each question has a possible score of 0 or 1; if the sum of the 4 question scores is >1, the patient’s asthma may be uncontrolled.  

Vollmer WM, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1999;160(5 Pt 1):1647-1652. 

Shared Decision-Making Tool

The CHEST Foundation, Allergy and Asthma Network, and American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) have developed a shared decision-making tool for adults with severe asthma so that they may work collaboratively with clinicians to improve self-management skills, choose the best treatment plan, and increase adherence.  

Patient Advocacy Organizations and Resources 

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

AAFA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergic diseases through education, advocacy, and research. 

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI)

The ACAAI fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which members work toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy, and research. 

American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy, and research.

American Thoracic Society (ATS)

The mission of the ATS is to improve health worldwide by advancing research, clinical care, and public health in respiratory disease, critical illness, and sleep disorders. 

Chest Foundation

The CHEST Foundation creates trusted patient education resources and disease awareness campaigns that empower patients to engage in better managing their health.