Therapeutic management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: an evidence-based approach.
The treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains controversial. The benefits of conventional treatment with corticosteroids plus either azathioprine or cyclophosphamide have not been established in randomized, controlled trials. Other treatment strategies have been suggested as understanding of the pathogenesis of IPF has increased. Recent clinical and animal studies suggest that modulating the effects of profibrotic growth factors and cytokines holds significant promise. As additional well controlled prospective studies are completed, these trials should provide the clinical evidence necessary for identifying optimal treatment strategies for future patients who have IPF.
Lung Transplant and Advanced Lung Disease Program, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA. steven.nathan@inova.com
Steven D
SD
Nathan
D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides; D000077300:Bosentan; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D000068800:Etanercept; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011728:Pyridones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use
D001549:Benzamides; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D010879:Piperazines; D011728:Pyridones; D011743:Pyrimidines; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D013449:Sulfonamides; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; C093844:pirfenidone; D001379:Azathioprine; D000068800:Etanercept; D000077300:Bosentan; D011241:Prednisone; D000111:Acetylcysteine