Ageing with cystic fibrosis: Challenges ahead
Sacha Spelier1, Maud I M van der Wijst1, Isabelle Fajac2
1Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
As life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis continues to improve due to advances in care and CFTR modulator therapies, age-related comorbidities are emerging as new clinical challenges. This short review summarizes insights from a symposium focusing on ageing and CF at the 20th ECFS Basic Science Conference in March 2025 in Pisa, Italy. Mechanisms of ageing and their involvement in CF disease are first outlined. We then highlight two age-associated comorbidities in CF, cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer, and outline future research directions to clarify how CF-specific and general ageing mechanisms intersect. Understanding these processes will be crucial for tailoring long-term care strategies in the ageing CF population.
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