Biologic Therapies: A Systematic Review of the Indications, Efficacy, Safety, and Outcomes in Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases

Read full text
Authors: Zainab Al Saloom, Mahmood Alawainati, Zahraa Abdeen, Israa M. Qadmi, Alaa Q. Mandeel, Khaled M AlAani
Cited by: 1
References: 21

Abstract

Biologic therapies, such as omalizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab, are novel therapeutic agents that offer a targeted approach for managing chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions. However, the indications, efficacy, and adverse events of these medications in various ENT disorders have not been studied before. Therefore, this systematic review was performed to evaluate their indications, clinical efficacy, and safety in ENT management. A systematic search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines across five major databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Web of Science. Studies published between 2015 and May 2025 were considered, and additional manual searches and reference screening were also performed. Eligible studies included those written in English, assessing biologics in ENT diseases, and reporting on at least one of the following outcomes: clinical efficacy, safety, or indications. The study characteristics, population details, medications used, and outcomes were assessed. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool, with disagreements resolved by a senior assessor. A total of 497 records were identified, and after screening and quality assessment, 10 trials involving 2,406 patients were included. The primary indication of biologics use across nine studies was chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), while one study assessed allergic rhinitis. Most trials compared biologics to a placebo, except one study that evaluated mepolizumab in combination with functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Biologics consistently demonstrated clinically significant reductions in endoscopic nasal polyp scores (P

Fields of Study & Subjects

Sinusitis and nasal conditions Allergic Rhinitis and Sensitization Nasal Surgery and Airway Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Cureus
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pages
e101059–e101059
Publication date
7 January 2026
Language
EN