Targeting Immunotherapy for Fungal Infection in Cystic Fibrosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
TrIFIC: Targeting Immunotherapy for Fungal Infection in Cystic Fibrosis
IRAS ID
270828
Contact name
Darius Armstrong-James
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungus found in the sputum of half of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) by the time they reach adulthood. A third of these individuals go on to develop Aspergillus bronchitis, a severe airway infection, while 15% experience allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis, an airway allergy to Aspergillus fumigatus. These problems can lead to increased lung inflammation, accelerated lung function decline, and can stop individuals being eligible for lung transplant. Treatment options usually include anti-fungal medicines, however these medicines do not always work well, and some fungal infections are now resistant.
Medicines known as immunotherapies have been used successfully for severe fungal infections, and are currently revolutionising treatment for cancer and asthma due to their ability to change the immune response to inflammation. Several immunotherapies have been used successfully in patients with CF and Aspergillus infection, and a number are now in development to target airway inflammation. We propose a Strategic Research Centre to investigate whether these immunotherapies are useful during Aspergillus infection and which individuals with CF are most likely to benefit from these. The investigation will lead to better identification of, and more personalised treatments for, the problems arising from Aspergillus fumigatus infection in people with CF.
Patients will be recruited by the study team through The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, Manchester University NHS, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trsut, and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, from outpatient and inpatients services. The study is funded through a Strategic Research Centre grant from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0110
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jul 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion