A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of physiological biomarkers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating condition which causes scarring of the lungs and affects around 3 million people worldwide. Disease trajectory is variable, with some patients progressing much quicker than others. Identifying early predictors of progression may enable relevant therapies to be offered at an early stage. Physiological biomarkers such as lung function (FVC, DLCO) and total distance walked in 6 minutes (6MWD) are non-invasive measurements. We therefore hope to collate data from clinical trial placebo arms to explore whether short term change in these measurements may be able to predict clinical outcomes. This will help better inform healthcare professionals.