A New Era: Exploring the Role of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis

Abstract

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), in its simplest form, is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that has been present for more than three months. The clinical diagnosis is characterized by nasal obstruction/congestion/discharge, facial pain and decreased/absent smell with signs of inflammation in the sinonasal mucosa on endoscopy or computed tomography. An impaired sense of smell and olfactory loss is a cardinal feature of patients with nasal polyps. CRS affects about 5-12% of the population according to recent epidemiological studies, with a peak prevalence of 16% between the ages of 50-59. While the symptoms are often downplayed by patients themselves, the impact on quality of life has been shown to be on par with congestive heart failure, moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and Parkinson’s disease. The most common extra-nasal sequelae are fatigue and depression, with approximately half of patients surveyed reporting fatigue and one-quarter reporting depression. The societal impact is significant with annual rates of absenteeism estimated at 24.6 days a year, and at an overall productivity cost estimated at $10,077 per patient.