Guidelines update: where do the new therapies fit in the management of asthma? NHLBI and WHO Global Initiative for Asthma.

The new leukotriene (LT) modifiers have been shown to be effective, safe and convenient 'controller' medications in patients with asthma. However, their use in asthma is recommended only in the most recent US guidelines, and then only as alternative long term controllers in patients with mild persistent asthma. In fact, as has now been shown in a number of studies, LT modifiers are effective in a variety of other asthma settings, and it is expected that expanded roles for these agents will be described in future asthma guidelines. Until then, clinicians aware of the advantages of individualising asthma therapy might consider LT modifiers for the diverse range of patients with asthma who are likely to benefit from the use of these agents.