Otolaryngology (ENT)

Anti–IL-5 biologics provide modest but clinically relevant benefit as second-line therapy in CRSwNP

This meta-analysis of 10 RCTs evaluated anti–IL-5 monoclonal antibodies versus placebo as second-line therapy for CRSwNP. Anti–IL-5 therapy significantly reduced nasal polyp score and SNOT-22 scores versus placebo, indicating both objective and symptomatic benefit. Key nasal symptoms, smell loss, Lund-Mackay CT scores, and visual analog scores all improved with treatment. Anti–IL-5 agents reduced systemic corticosteroid courses, showed borderline reduction in first-time polyp surgery, and improved UPSIT scores, with acceptable safety. 1

Real-world cohort shows all three approved biologics benefit severe CRSwNP, with numerically greater gains on dupilumab

This prospective multicentre phase IV cohort followed 360 patients with severe CRSwNP starting omalizumab, mepolizumab, or dupilumab. After six months, nasal polyp scores, olfactory function, and patient-reported outcomes improved across all biologic groups, with concurrent asthma control gains. Using EUFOREA criteria, 51% achieved a good-to-excellent multidomain response, and most patients continued treatment beyond six months. Continuation rates were highest with dupilumab, which also showed numerically larger clinical improvements, although allocation was not randomized. No severe adverse events were reported, supporting favorable safety for all three agents in routine care. 2

Real-time AI quality control improves nasopharyngolaryngoscopy completeness without prolonging procedures

This randomized controlled trial compared standard nasopharyngolaryngoscopy with or without real-time AI quality control in 318 patients. The AI system monitored anatomical coverage, examination progress, and duration but did not perform lesion detection. AI-assisted examinations achieved significantly higher mean anatomical coverage than conventional exams, without increasing procedure time. Benefits were observed across operator experience levels, with particularly strong gains among junior endoscopists. These results support integrating AI-based quality-control tools to standardize NPL and reduce incomplete examinations. 3