Treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: from evidence to practice

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex pulmonary disorder caused by dysregulated immune responses against Aspergillus fumigatus. The disorder usually complicates the course of patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis. Patients with ABPA most often present with asthma that is poorly controlled despite inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta 2 agonists. The treatment of ABPA is complicated due to the occurrence of recurrent exacerbations and spontaneous remissions. The drugs used for treating ABPA include systemic glucocorticoids, antifungal agents and biologics, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. In this review, we illustrate the treatment pathway for ABPA in different situations, using a case-based approach. In each case, we present the options for treatment based on the available evidence from recent clinical trials.