Precision medicine in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis therapy: From translational research to patient-centered care

Katerina M Antoniou; Eliza Tsitoura; Eirini Vasarmidi; Emmanouil K Symvoulakis; Vassilis Aidinis; Vassilis Tzilas; Argyris Tzouvelekis; Demosthenes Bouros

doi:10.1016/j.coph.2020.12.007

Precision medicine in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis therapy: From translational research to patient-centered care

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2021 Apr:57:71-80. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.12.007. Epub 2021 Feb 6.

Authors

Katerina M Antoniou¹, Eliza Tsitoura², Eirini Vasarmidi², Emmanouil K Symvoulakis³, Vassilis Aidinis⁴, Vassilis Tzilas⁵, Argyris Tzouvelekis⁶, Demosthenes Bouros⁷

Affiliations

¹ Molecular & Cellular Pneumonology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece. Electronic address: kantoniou@uoc.gr.
² Molecular & Cellular Pneumonology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece.
³ Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece.
⁴ Division of Immunology, Alexander Fleming Biomedical Sciences Research Center, Athens, Greece.
⁵ Center for Diseases of the Chest, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece.
⁶ Division of Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Patras, Greece.
⁷ Center for Diseases of the Chest, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece; Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.

PMID: 33556824
DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.12.007

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, irreversible fibrotic chronic lung disease affecting predominantly older adults, with a history of smoking. The current model of disease natural course is that recurrent injury of the alveolar epithelium in the context of advanced aging/cellular senescence is followed by defective re-epithelialization and scar tissue formation. Currently, two drugs, nintedanib and pirfenidone, that modify disease progression have been approved worldwide for the treatment of IPF. However, despite treatment, patients with IPF are not cured, and eventually, disease advances in most treated patients. Enhancing biogenomic and metabolic research output, its translation into clinical precision and optimal service delivery through patient-centeredness are key elements to support effective IPF care. In this review, we summarize therapeutic options currently investigated for IPF based on the major pathogenetic pathways and molecular targets that drive pulmonary fibrosis.

Keywords: Holistic approach; Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; Patient-centered care; Precision medicine; Therapy; Translational research.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Fibrosis
Humans
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis* / drug therapy
Patient-Centered Care
Precision Medicine*
Translational Research, Biomedical