Basophil reactivity impacts response to monoclonal antibody therapy for patients with severe uncontrolled asthma, according to results published in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy. Researchers examined the utility of basophil reactivity as a marker of response to monoclonal antibodies using the basophil activation test (BAT) in 72 consecutive patients with severe uncontrolled asthma. Basophil reactivity, at the highest anti-IgE dilution at which basophil activation was positive, was inversely associated with asthma control and response to any monoclonal antibody. Patients with greater basophil reactivity (≥29% vs <29%) had less complete response to monoclonal antibodies, more switching between agents, and poorer baseline lung function and Asthma Control Test scores. BAT scores were also associated with a worse response for multiple agents. “Patients with basophil reactivity greater than or equal to 29% were less likely to achieve full control of asthma, [independent] of classic clinical or biological markers of type 2 asthma,” the researchers wrote.
