Guidelines update - Where do the new therapies fit in the management of asthma?

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