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Future Directions in Basic and Clinical Science

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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Part of the book series: Respiratory Medicine ((RM,volume 9))

  • 2008 Accesses

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic interstitial pneumonia of unclear etiology, and there is wide variability in clinical phenotype and rate of disease progression among patients who meet criteria for this diagnosis. In this chapter, we highlight the remaining challenges posed to basic and clinical researchers and discuss how these challenges might be best addressed in order to ultimately direct future care that leads to improved patient outcomes. We begin by describing avenues of future research in terms of biologic pathogenesis and genetics. From the clinical standpoint, we emphasize pathways that may lead to better classification of distinct clinical phenotypes, studies that will define more accurate clinical endpoints for clinical research, and interventions (including potentially preventive measures) that may decrease the tempo of disease progression. Lastly, novel therapies, including monoclonal antibodies in early clinical trials and regenerative strategies, are discussed. In this way, we encompass what is on the horizon for IPF research and treatment.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959, NE Pacific Ave, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA

    Carmen Mikacenic M.D. & Ganesh Raghu M.D.

  2. The Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959, NE Pacific Ave, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA

    Ganesh Raghu M.D.

  3. Scleroderma Clinic, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959, NE Pacific Ave, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA

    Ganesh Raghu M.D.

Authors
  1. Carmen Mikacenic M.D.
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  2. Ganesh Raghu M.D.
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Correspondence to Ganesh Raghu M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Internal Medicine, Sect. Allergy Pulmonary & Critical Care Med., University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    Keith C. Meyer

  2. Advanced Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Program, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia, USA

    Steven D. Nathan

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Mikacenic, C., Raghu, G. (2014). Future Directions in Basic and Clinical Science. In: Meyer, K., Nathan, S. (eds) Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Respiratory Medicine, vol 9. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-682-5_21

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-682-5_21

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-681-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-682-5

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