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Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Refractory asthma - beyond step 5, the role of new and emerging adjuvant therapies
Binita Kane1, Stephen J Fowler2, Rob Niven3
1Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, University of Manchester, Southmoor Road, Manchester, UK binita.kane@doctors.org.uk.
Abstract:
A small percentage of asthmatics have 'severe refractory asthma', where there is suboptimal response to currently available therapies. A number of novel therapies targeting key biological targets are becoming available. Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, and systematic evaluation of patients is important to target therapies to the underlying inflammatory subtype and clinical features. This review article outlines new and emerging treatments for severe asthma, including monoclonal antibodies targeting eosinophilic disease, anti-neutrophil strategies, novel bronchodilators and bronchial thermoplasty. We highlight the importance of individualized investigation, treatment and management of severe asthmatics.
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