How clinical studies are changing the way we detect, diagnose and treat lung infections
Detecting lung infections earlier
Finding new and better ways to detect changes in the lungs could help us diagnose infections earlier and treat them more effectively. Previous research has shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect changes before standard measures of lung function like FEV1.
The MAGNIFY SRC is a Strategic Research Centre funded by Cystic Fibrosis Trust looking at whether a new type of MRI could be used to monitor lung health in people with CF. As part of this, the MAGNIFY study is looking for people who are not currently taking modulators to take part.
Diagnosing infections without sputum
In people with CF, lung infections are often diagnosed using sputum samples. However, as the health of many people with CF improves due to the development of treatments such as modulators, many people cough up less sputum. This is making it more challenging to collect these samples.
The Precision P3 study is exploring new ways of testing for infections using different types of samples. This is part of the Precision-CF Innovation Hub funded in partnership between the Trust and LifeArc, to improve how we detect and treat lung infections. The study is currently looking for children and adults with CF to join.
Preventing lung infections in young children
Babies and young children with CF are currently given long-term antibiotics to prevent infections from developing and protect their long-term lung health. However, it’s not clear whether this may reduce the risk of certain infections while increasing the risk of others.
CF START is a UK-wide research study looking at whether it is more effective to wait and only give antibiotics if harmful bacteria are found. This study has already closed recruitment and researchers are planning to share some of their early findings in October 2026.
Treating Mycobacterium abscessus infections
Mycobacterium abscessus is a type of bacteria that can cause serious lung infections. It is resistant to many antibiotics and so these infections are often difficult to treat. At the moment, there isn’t strong evidence about the best way to treat these infections.
The FORMaT study is hoping to compare commonly used treatments to see which is most safe and effective. This study is looking for people both with or without a Mycobacterium abscessus infection to take part.
Treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common infections in people with CF. A clinical study planned to open later this year will evaluate the best way to treat lung exacerbations in people with CF with long-term pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
The STOP 360 study will compare treatment with one antibiotic (a beta-lactam such as cefepime or ceftazidime) to treatment with two antibiotics (tobramycin and a beta-lactam). This study is expected to open later this year.
You can find lots more clinical studies currently looking for people in the UK to take part on our Trials Tracker.
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