[Current view and outlook for cystic fibrosis therapy]

Cystic fibrosis therapy has obtained in the last few years substantial benefits optimizing nutritional antibiotic and ventilatory techniques. With the discovery of the gene and of CFTR protein pharmacological approach may be initiated: correction of transmembrane ionic exchanges, and of sputum rheology. Gene therapy represents the last development, but rises methodological and ethical problems even if representing an important hope. Pulmonary transplant is only indicated in severe forms of cystic fibrosis.