Conference MDAngle: ATS 2024: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Conference MDAngle offers personal perspectives from conference attendees, showcasing their anticipation, quick takeaways, and insights into how the presented research will impact their patients.

The 2024 International Conference of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) was held in San Diego on May 17-22. The conference showcased clinical abstract sessions, keynote speakers, scientific symposia, and poster presentations highlighting the latest advances and research in the field. Significant updates on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) research included presentations focusing on phosphodiesterase 3/4 inhibitors, biologics targeting type 2 inflammation, biomarkers, beta-blockers, and insights into advances in understanding COPD heterogeneity.

Stephanie A. Christenson, MD, MAS

Associate Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California

"I'm hopeful that, with new trials out suggesting that we may have new treatments in COPD, we may be seeing even more research on immune responses and other biology that we can potentially target down the road for better treatments for our patients."

Preconference Considerations

ATS 2024: Exciting Prospects in COPD Research

Dr Christenson looks forward to hearing updates from clinical trials, particularly regarding biologics and biomarker data related to COPD heterogeneity. In addition, she anticipates new approaches to the etiology of COPD in the wake of a Lancet Commission statement as well as new insights from research on immune responses, COPD biology, epidemiology, and translational studies.

Quick Clinical Takeaways

ATS 2024: Insights into Advancing Therapeutic Options for COPD

At the 2024 ATS International Conference, Dr Christenson noted significant advancements in COPD research, highlighting promising clinical trial results for biologics targeting type 2 inflammation and selective beta-blockers. The conference underscored a transformative shift toward precision medicine in COPD care, fostering optimism for future research and improved patient outcomes.

How Will My Patients Benefit?

How Data From ATS 2024 Will Affect COPD Patient Care

Dr Christenson shares insights on new data presented at ATS, highlighting promising biologics for patients with COPD with high eosinophils. In addition, the variability in algorithmic classification of disease severity, especially race-dependent classifications, raises important considerations for patient care and return-to-work decisions, indicating a shifting landscape in COPD management with a focus on personalized approaches.

Polling Question

Summary

The 2024 International Conference of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) in San Diego highlighted significant advancements in COPD research, including promising results for PDE3/PDE4 inhibitors, biologics targeting type 2 inflammation, and beta-blockers. Dr Christenson emphasized the importance of personalized approaches in COPD care, noting the variability in disease severity classifications and the potential impact on patient care. The conference marked a transformative shift towards precision medicine in COPD management, fostering optimism for future research and improved patient outcomes.

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