Airway remodeling in asthma Visualization and treatment of structural airway wall changes associated with severe asthma

The thesis “Airway Remodeling in Asthma - Visualization and Treatment of Structural Airway Wall Changes Associated with Severe Asthma” primarily investigates the impact of bronchial thermoplasty (BT), a treatment for severe asthma on airway remodeling. Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and remodeling, including thickening of the airway wall and increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass, contributing to symptoms and exacerbations. This thesis aims to understand how BT affects these structural changes, especially in patients with severe asthma who are unresponsive to conventional therapies like inhaled corticosteroids and biologics.
Key objectives include exploring BT’s long-term effects on ASM mass, its impact on extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and the role of airway inflammation and gene expression in response to the treatment. The thesis also highlights the use of advanced imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), to visualize airway structures and monitor remodeling in real-time.
Studies from this thesis reveal that BT can significantly reduce ASM mass, improve quality of life, and decrease exacerbation rates in asthma patients over extended follow-up periods. However, the relationship between ASM reduction and clinical outcomes remains complex, with varying responses among patients. Furthermore, this thesis explores novel biomarkers and advanced imaging tools to better predict and monitor patient responses to BT, emphasizing the need for further research to refine treatment strategies and optimize outcomes for those with severe asthma.