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Unilateral Lung Volume Analysis Using Micro-CT for Enhanced Assessment of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Preclinical Models
Published on: June 20, 2025
Therapies for interstitial lung disease: past, present and future
1Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, WI, USA.
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease
|January 7, 2009
Summary
Treatments for interstitial lung disease (ILD) are evolving beyond corticosteroids. Newer therapies target fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension, with biologics and stem cells in development for these complex lung disorders.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Background:
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a heterogeneous group of lung disorders with evolving pathobiology and natural history.
- Corticosteroids have been the traditional mainstay for treating various ILDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of treatment approaches for interstitial lung diseases.
- To highlight the limitations of current therapies and emerging novel treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current and emerging therapies for interstitial lung diseases.
- Discussion of pharmacologic agents, biologic agents, stem cell therapies, and lung transplantation.
Main Results:
- Corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory agents show limited efficacy in many ILDs, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
- Emerging therapies focus on targeting fibrogenic processes and secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH).
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic strategies including biologic agents and stem cell therapies are under investigation.
- Lung transplantation remains a critical option for advanced, progressive ILD unresponsive to medical management.
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