Hypereosinophilic syndromes: A novel therapeutic indication for tyrosine kinase inhibitors and IL-5 antagonists

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is defined as a persistent and marked hypereosinophilia of unknown cause, complicated by organ damage. Much progress has recently been made in understanding underlying hematological mechanisms leading to eosinophilic expansion and clinicians are now offered highly tailored therapeutic options. Introduction of imatinib mesylate as first-line therapy for patients with a heretofore unrecognized cryptic chromosomal rearrangement has revolutionized HES management. Anti-IL-5 also appears highly effective in controlling eosinophil levels and clinical manifestations in a subset of HES patients.

Section editors:Claudine Bruck – GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, USAMichel Goldman – University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium