Clinical Efficacy of Tezepelumab in Moderate-to-Severe Uncontrolled Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the sinuses, resulting in the appearance of nasal polyps and is often associated with comorbidities. Many cases do not respond to corticosteroid treatment or surgery.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the role of tezepelumab in the treatment of CRSwNP.

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing tezepelumab and placebo in 655 patients with CRSwNP were included. The main outcomes were nasal polyp size (nasal polyp score, NPS), nasal congestion or obstruction (nasal congestion score, NCS), and quality of life using the sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22).

Results

Three RCTS were included, in which tezepelumab was used to treat CRSwNP. The mean age was 50.9 years, with 56.9% male patients and 75.6% of patients with coexisting asthma. The mean difference (MD) for NPS ranged from −0.9 to −2.0 compared to placebo. Consistent benefits were observed for NCS with MD between −0.8 and −1.0 compared to placebo and SNOT-22 with MD ranging from −10 to −28 points compared to placebo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, evidence suggests that tezepelumab may improve NPS and NCS, SNOT-22, loss of sense of smell, and clinically relevant endpoints (reduced need for surgery and corticosteroid use), as demonstrated in all included trials. However, the certainty and clinical applicability remain limited due to small trial size, industry sponsorship, and the lack of direct comparison with standard management and endoscopic sinus surgery. Large-scale, independent clinical trials are needed to confirm the position of tezepelumab in clinical practice for patients with moderate to severe CRSwNP.