In 2D versus 3D lung cultures, nintedanib and pirfenidone are found to decrease mesenchymal and epithelial fibrotic markers. A novel ex vivo method shows great potential to investigate important signaling pathways and mechanisms of early onset fibrosis for the identification of pro-fibrotic biomarkers.
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Complications and comorbidities in IPF are a major challenge
The two most common comorbidities that are associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are emphysema and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Both worsen the prognosis of IPF. Furthermore, in one third of patients a combination of pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) exists. These comorbidities in IPF are a major challenge for physicians.
Early diagnosis of IPF: a patient journey
Owing to its complex and heterogeneous nature, and the need to differentiate it from other diseases with similar symptoms and radiological and histopathological features, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is challenging to diagnose. During an evening symposium, organised by F. Hoffmann-La Roche and chaired by Athol Wells (London, United Kingdom), a group of experts discussed the early diagnosis and treatment of IPF.
Negative and positive results in IPF treatment
There is an ongoing debate about whether anti-fibrotic agents should be started immediately after diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) even in patients with relatively well-preserved lung function. A couple of presentations during the ERS Meeting shed some light on this debate.
Registries offer new and useful insights
Registries are a useful way to learn about the clinical spectrum of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in different parts of the world. Furthermore, they offer data about the worldwide differences in diagnostic approaches and clinical management. Registries have become increasingly accepted as a valid source of data by the medical community.
Personalised medicine and patient-focused care in IPF
Personalised or patient-centered care is characterized by treating the individual and not the disease. During an evening symposium, organised by Boehringer Ingelheim, this concept was discussed by some key opinion leaders in the field of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Variation in clinical approaches in the picture
During the session ‘IPF clinical’, a wide range of topics about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were presented, varying from cryobiopsies, comorbid emphysema, and the risks of prednisone use. For example, a French analysis showed that FVC may be unsuitable as a measure of disease progression in patients with a combination of IPF and ≥15% emphysema.
Post-hoc evidence presented in the second treatment session
During the second session about the treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a lot of evidence from post-hoc, subgroup and/or pooled analyses were presented. However, the first lecture was about another topic: refractory chronic cough, which significantly improved with the use of inhaled PA101.
