Virtual models for personalised treatment

Scientists hoping to move away from the one size fits all approach to treating asthma and other respiratory diseases are developing a pioneering new research tool to help them tailor treatments

The AirPROM project – Airway disease PRedicting Outcomes through patient specific computational Modelling – aims to create computed and physical models of the whole airways systems to help scientists and doctors predict how patients might react to different treatments.

Currently treatment for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma adopt a ‘one size fits all’ approach,” said project leader, Professor Chris Brightling, from the University of Leicester. “People with these respiratory diseases are therefore missing out on the right treatment to help them manage their condition.”

The unique models will be used with existing data from lung capacity tests and highly detailed CT scans to help scientists test new therapies, which will enable them to tailor treatments to the individual.

The ultimate aim is to create a database linking characteristics of different airways to particular treatments, to help professionals provide personalised treatments. The tools could also help scientists predict how the disease will progress and its effects on the airways to help monitor future risks to patients.

“These patient-specific models will help us monitor the diseases and how they progress, to make current treatments much more specific and targeted to benefit COPD and asthma patients,” said Brightling. “By combining the latest advancements in computational modelling, image analysis, and clinical expertise, we can, for the first time, assess new therapies for asthma and COPD and match them to the right patients.”