The 28th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR) has been held on 7-10 November 2024 in Hong Kong. APSR is one of the largest Respiratory Societies in the world, the congress has showcased the frontier progress and up-to-coming studies in the field. A standout feature of APSR 2024 was ICON study (Symptoms and risk factors associated with the exacerbations of adult bronchiectasis patients: A multi-center perspective cohort study), a research spearheaded by Dr. ZHANG Yuren, Sr. Medical Advisor at AstraZeneca, who has committed in and driven this study for many years. ICON had been accepted as the Late-Breaking Abstract of APSR 2024, with being released by oral presentation and simultaneously being published in the journal Respirology. The results of ICON（1）indicate that patients with bronchiectasis bear a significant burden from exacerbations. Preventing and controlling these exacerbations can offer promising benefits to patients. By detailed analysis on the clinical features of these exacerbations, the study sheds light on the disease burden and pinpoints essential strategies for effective patient management.
Another highlight of APSR 2024 was QIP study (Heavier disease burden of COPD in secondary hospitals: findings from baseline data of quality improvement program) which initiated and led by Dr. ZHANG Yuren and funded by AstraZeneca. QIP had been accepted as the Late-Breaking Abstract of APSR 2024 as well, with its interim analysis being released by poster presentation, and also being published simultaneously in the journal Respirology. The patients’ baseline data analysis from QIP（2） underscores the critical need to enhance clinical care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study emphasizes the significance of driving changes in clinical practice and improving standard of care adoption rate for COPD patients. As a hot topic at APSR 2024, QIP study details was further presented in the Satellite Symposium sponsored by AstraZeneca (New Concept of COPD Quality Standards Implementation - the Quality Improvement Program). With QIP study still ongoing, it is out of question that more far-reaching findings are on the threshold.
“Chronic respiratory diseases not only severely impact patients’ quality of life but also impose a substantial economic burden on society.”, emphasized by Dr. ZHANG Yuren when talking about his research plan. This is the reason Dr. ZHANG has been deeply involved in ongoing and extensive studies into different chronic respiratory diseases, including bronchiectasis and COPD, and he is optimistic about the significant value these will yield. Building on the experiences from ICON study which “reveals the disease burden”, and QIP study which aims to “improve standard of care”, future research initiatives will continue to expand and amplify. The focus of research will always centre on elucidating the nature of diseases and exploring solutions, with the ultimate goal of benefiting patients and society as a whole.
Let's keep an eye on what “ICON” and “QIP” will benefit us in near future.
References：
（1）Symptoms and risk factors associated with the exacerbations of adult bronchiectasis patients: A multi-center perspective cohort study (ICON). Respirology. 2024; 29(Suppl. 3):32.
（2）Heavier disease burden of COPD in secondary hospitals: Findings from baseline data of quality improvement program. Respirology. 2024; 29(Suppl. 3):167-168.
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