Where Is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Going?

Harold R. Collard, MD; Paul J. Wolters, MD

March 22, 2021

FDA approvals in 2014 of two antifibrotic therapies for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) provided clinicians with treatment options proven to slow progression of the chronic, fatal condition. Since then, research has deepened experts' understanding of the underlying senescence-related changes that occur in the biology of afflicted lungs. From that, a subgroup of patients has been identified who suffer from progressive pulmonary fibrosis that worsens despite therapy. More research is needed to arrive at new approaches to identifying and treating patients with this phenotype.

In this ReCAP, Drs Harold Collard and Paul Wolters, of University of California, San Francisco, debate the implications of isolating a new phenotype distinct from IPF but with shared biology. These leading pulmonologists also discuss the role of telomeropathy as a prognostic biomarker for IPF, and they explain the importance of taking a complete family history and extending genetic testing to family members of patients with IPF.

Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Where Is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Going? - Medscape - Mar 22, 2021.

Comments

Commenting is limited to medical professionals. To comment please Log-in.

Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see our Commenting Guide for further information. We reserve the right to remove posts at our sole discretion.

processing....

Where Is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Going?

Tables

Authors and Disclosures

Authors and Disclosures

Experts

Harold R. Collard, MD

Paul J. Wolters, MD

Comments

Email This

Feedback