The impact of tezepelumab therapy on perceived asthma triggers: a multicenter real-life study

Abstract

Objective: Asthma exacerbations are often triggered by factors such as respiratory infections, allergens, exercise, and airway irritants, significantly affecting patients' respiratory symptoms and quality of life. Effective management of triggers is crucial in severe asthma care. Tezepelumab, an anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) monoclonal antibody, can effectively reduce severe asthma exacerbations and symptoms burden. However, its impact on patients' perception of trigger-related symptoms remains underexplored.

Methods: We conducted an observational, multicenter study involving 30 severe asthma patients starting tezepelumab 210 mg every 4 wk. Asthma triggers were assessed with the Asthma Triggers Inventory (ATI), while respiratory symptoms and HRQoL were evaluated using the Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Data were collected at baseline (T0) and after 3 months of treatment (T3).

Results: At T3, patients demonstrated a significant reduction in the impact of asthma triggers as well as improvements in the perception of triggers effects on HRQoL. Specific improvements were observed in the "air pollution/irritants" and "infection" domains of the ATI. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between ATI and AQLQ changes over time.

Conclusion: Tezepelumab positively impacts patients' perception of asthma triggers and their HRQoL, supporting its role in managing triggers hypersensitivity as a treatable trait in severe asthma. Further research is warranted to investigate underlying mechanisms and long-term effects.

Keywords: Severe asthma; anti-TSLP; control; quality of life; tezepelumab; trigger.