Role of Monoclonal Antibodies in the Management of Eosinophilic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute exacerbations are associated with progressive decline in lung function and quality of life. After recognition of the role of type 2 inflammation in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic COPD, there was increased interest in studying monoclonal antibodies as a therapeutic agent. Multiple randomized controlled trials showed promising results, yet no consensus exists.

Objectives

Our study aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the role of monoclonal antibodies in the management of patients with eosinophilic COPD.

Methods

We systematically searched multiple databases using prespecified search terms. We included only randomized controlled trials that compared monoclonal antibodies versus placebo in patients with objective evidence of eosinophilic COPD receiving standard-of-care therapy. The primary outcome of interest was the annualized rate of COPD exacerbation. Absolute changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores were secondary outcomes. We also reported serious adverse effects and all-cause mortality. Statistical analysis was conducted via random effects model using RevMan software.

Results

We identified and included eight double blinded, placebo-controlled trials with a total of 4,512 patients and a median follow up of 52 weeks. The patients' mean age was 65 ± 8 years, with 85% male. Seventy percent of patients were former smokers, with a mean of 43 ± 25 pack-years of smoking history. The majority of patients were receiving triple inhaled therapy. The mean serum eosinophil count at enrollment was 398 ± 297 cells/μl. The monoclonal antibodies studied were dupilumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, astegolimab, and itepekimab. Compared with placebo, patients who received monoclonal antibodies had a significantly decreased annualized COPD exacerbation rate (rate ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-0.86; P < 0.001). The serious adverse effect rate was significantly lower in the monoclonal antibody arm compared with placebo (odds ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.69-0.93; P = 0.004). The all-cause mortality rates were not statistically different between the groups (odds ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.63-1.3; P = 0.6). Dupilumab showed a trend of improved efficacy over mepolizumab and benralizumab.

Conclusions

In patients with eosinophilic COPD receiving standard-of-care therapy, the use of monoclonal antibodies led to a significant reduction in annualized COPD exacerbation rate compared with placebo. Monoclonal antibodies have an acceptable tolerability and safety profile.