Research Facts About Pulmonary Fibrosis

As part of Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, we are sharing a research fact about pulmonary fibrosis every workday in September.

By sharing these facts, we hope to amplify understanding about pulmonary fibrosis as well as showcase the groundbreaking research happening within the CRE-PF.

This is where you’ll find a list of the facts and the source references. 

Week 4

Fact #16 - Researchers are identifying natural compounds with the potential for treating pulmonary fibrosis.

A Methodological Approach to Identify Natural Compounds with Antifibrotic Activity and the Potential to Treat Pulmonary Fibrosis Using Single-Cell Sequencing and Primary Human Lung Macrophages.

Week 3

Fact #11 - For the first time, 3 distinct blood biomarker ‘signatures’ linked to lung function and prognosis have been identified for pulmonary fibrosis.

Cluster analysis of blood biomarkers to identify molecular patterns in pulmonary fibrosis: assessment of a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort with independent validation

Fact #12 - Research shows shortening of telomeres, a region of DNA at the end of chromosomes, can help predict prognosis and treatment response in pulmonary fibrosis.

Telomere length and immunosuppression in non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis interstitial lung disease.

Fact #13 - A simple Disease Behaviour Classification, may be effective in predicting the outcomes for people with pulmonary fibrosis.

Disease Behaviour Classification: A pragmatic model for predicting outcomes in Interstitial Lung Disease

Fact #14 - Blood biomarker levels can help identify the risk of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis.

A Composite Serum Biomarker Index for the Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A Multicenter, Observational Cohort Study.

Fact #15 - Research shows urgent international action is needed to close the gaps in health outcomes for diverse patients with pulmonary fibrosis.

Missing out on effective care in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Racial inequality in access to anti‐fibrotic therapy.

Week Two

Fact #6 - New technology using CT scans is being used to better predict outcomes for people with pulmonary fibrosis.

Deep Learning-based Outcome Prediction in Progressive Fibrotic Lung Disease Using High-Resolution Computed Tomography.

Fact #7 - Particulate air pollution is linked with acute exacerbations in pulmonary fibrosis.

The impact of air pollution on interstitial lung disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Fact #8 - Researchers are exploring new therapies that may improve chronic cough among people with pulmonary fibrosis.

A novel therapy for intractable chronic cough

Fact #9 - The updated position statement on treatment of idiopathic and progressive pulmonary fibrosis reaffirms the importance of multidisciplinary management.

Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and progressive pulmonary fibrosis: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand 2023 revision. 

Fact #10 - New diagnostic techniques and targeted therapies are improving outcomes for people with pulmonary fibrosis.

Novel diagnostic techniques in interstitial lung disease.

Week One

Fact #1 - Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease with a high symptom burden and negative impact on quality of life. 

Reference: Assessment of health-related quality of life in Australian patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Fact #2 - In Australia, caring for people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis costs around AU$299 million every year.

Reference: Unravelling the health and economic burden of interstitial lung diseases in adults in Australia

Fact #3 - Australian research on pulmonary fibrosis in families showed nearly 50% of the patient relatives screened had early stage disease.

Reference: Preclinical interstitial lung disease in relatives of familial pulmonary fibrosis patients

Fact #4 - Living within 100 metres of a main road is linked to faster lung function decline in people with pulmonary fibrosis.

Reference: Long‐term exposure to low concentrations of air pollution and decline in lung function in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Fact #5 - Chronic cough is very common in pulmonary fibrosis and negatively impacts people’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

Reference: Understanding patient experience of chronic cough in interstitial lung disease