The Role of Biologics in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Abstract

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a common and heterogeneous inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory tract. This article provides expert opinion and points of view from both allergists and rhinologists who specialize in CRSwNP. Despite the potential value of biomarker-based endotyping to provide guidance regarding optimal care and treatment choices for patients with CRSwNP, current practice is largely not biomarker-based. In general, there is agreement that for patients with symptomatic CRSwNP who have failed a trial of a course of at least 3 months of intranasal steroids and a short course of oral corticosteroids, a surgical intervention will often be the next treatment of choice. Biologics may be considered before an initial surgery in patients with comorbid severe asthma and in those for whom surgery is less available, refused by the patient, or likely to be associated with a higher-than-average complication rate. Biologic use immediately following surgery may be considered in patients who have a history of nasal polyp recurrence within 12 months of a prior surgery. For many patients with recalcitrant disease, a combination of sinus surgery and use of a biologic that is targeted to their precise endotype may be the optimal treatment strategy, though which surgical approach and which biologics are best for each patient are debates that remain ongoing.