Triple vs High Dose Inhaled CORticosteroids

It remains to be clarified whether triple therapy is better than high dose inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2-agonists combination (ICS/LABA) in patients with uncontrolled asthma despite the use of medium dose ICS/LABA combinations, particularly in cases with high T2 biomarkers´ values. The aim of this study is to evaluate, in a real-world setting, which is the best therapeutic strategy in this clinical scenario.

This study will be a randomized, open-label, two-arm, prospective, 12-month trial to be conducted in 53 hospital asthma units. Participants will be allocated to receive one of two therapeutic strategies: same ICS/LABA combination at highest doses or the same maintenance therapy plus a long-acting anticholinergic (LAMA). Follow up visits will be scheduled at 12-16, 24-28 and 52 weeks after the baseline visit. The investigators can optimise therapy according to their clinical opinion if the patient remains uncontrolled. Demographic, clinical and lung function information will be collected at each visit.

The primary endpoint will be the percentage of patients controlled at week 52, with both an ACT score of 20 or greater and no severe exacerbations). 620 patients (282 patients per treatment group, considering 10% drop-out) will be required for the study to have 80% power to detect non-inferiority limit of 10% in the rate of controlled patients between the high dose ICS/LABA arm and the triple therapy arm. All effectiveness analyses will be done according to the intention-to-treat principle. Secondary endpoints: percentage of patients controlled at week 24, ACT at weeks 12, 24 and 52, AIRQ at weeks 12, 24 and 52, quality of life (Mini-AQLQ) at weeks 12, 24 and 52, postbronchodilator FEV1 at weeks 12, 24 and 52, severe exacerbations at week 24 and 52. Differences between groups in 8 AM serum cortisol at week 52. Adherence at week 52 in the two study arms. Factors related to triple and high-dose ICS/LABA failure and success (control) at week 52.

The results of this study will help physicians to decide the most appropriate therapeutic strategy for a large number of asthma patients: those who do not gain control with medium dose ICS/LABA. If non-inferiority of triple therapy vs high dose ICS/LABA is demonstrated, it could lead to a modification of the current guidelines.