Novel therapies for hypereosinophilic syndromes.

BACKGROUND

Conventional therapies (corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents or interferon-a) or newer compounds such imatinib are used specifically in subsets of hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES). However other therapies are still needed in this condition.

OBJECTIVE

To review the novel therapies for HES discussing their advantages and shortcomings.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

Preclinical and clinical data on novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anti-IL -5 antibodies or anti-CD52 antibodies (alemtuzumab) are analysed. The former might represent appropriate options in case of imatinib resistance; the efficacy of anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibodies therapy is limited by the occurrence of rebound eosinophilia and alemtuzumab might be a promising anti-eosinophil therapy for all HES subsets.

CONCLUSION

Some of the novel therapies might become appropriate therapeutic options for HES.