Currently, the gold standard for evaluating treatment success in NTM-PD patients is microbiological monitoring. In a retrospective multicenter study, the BREATH team investigated whether radiological parameters could also serve as indicators of therapeutic response. For this purpose, they analyzed data from a total of 60 NTM-PD patients from Hannover, Heidelberg, and Gauting who had received at least two consecutive computed tomography (CT) scans during the study period.

The goal of the study was to evaluate changes in specific radiological features such as bronchiectasis, mucus plugging, bronchiolitis, cavitation, nodules, and consolidations, and to determine which of these are meaningful indicators of treatment success.

The results of the study show that patients who experienced successful treatment, confirmed by culture conversion, demonstrated significant improvements in the radiological findings of bronchiolitis, cavitation, and consolidations. In contrast, nodules and bronchiectasis remained stable even in successfully treated patients, suggesting that these parameters are not suitable for monitoring treatment success.

The study emphasizes the central role of radiological imaging, particularly CT scans, in evaluating treatment efficacy. "These findings suggest that in the future, we may be able to recognize the effectiveness of therapy at an early stage based on CT imaging changes," summarizes Prof. Dr. Sabine Dettmer, lead author of the publication and researcher at the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at Hannover Medical School (MHH).

The study's results suggest that regular radiological follow-up can contribute to improved therapeutic outcomes. Prof. Dr. Jessica Rademacher, last author of the study, pulmonologist and infectious disease specialist, places particular emphasis on improving treatment strategies: "We aim to treat our patients in a targeted and individualized manner, for example by reducing the overuse of antibiotics to help prevent resistance. Our findings show that we do not have to wait for microbiological analysis results — we can reassess our therapeutic decisions early on based on CT follow-ups."

To the original publication on PubMed

This article marks the launch of our new series “Publication of the Month,” which we will continue on a monthly basis. In this section, we will regularly highlight innovative and scientifically outstanding publications featuring strong involvement from BREATH researchers. The goal is to increase the visibility of groundbreaking research within our network and to foster scientific exchange.

Text: BREATH/AB

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