Leukotriene-Receptor Antagonists and 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitors in Asthma

OBJECTIVE:To familiarize readers with a potentially new class of compounds for treating asthma. Background information on leukotrienes is provided in addition to an indepth review of pertinent clinical trials.DATA SOURCES:Information was obtained from controlled clinical trials, abstracts, and review articles identified through a MEDLINE search of English-language articles.STUDY SELECTION:Emphasis was placed on early clinical trials that showed some benefit with these compounds as well as more recent studies using newer agents that produced more promising results.DATA EXTRACTION:Information regarding leukotriene biochemistry was extracted from basic science research and data from human studies were evaluated by the authors according to patient selection, study design, methodology, and therapeutic response.DATA SYNTHESIS:Leukotrienes have a pathophysiologic role in asthma. Two distinct but pharmacologically similar classes of leukotriene inhibitors are currently being clinically evaluated. These are leukot...