NEW PHARMACOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES IN THE TREATMENT OF IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by the replacement of normal lung tissue by scar tissue, compromising lung function and leading to respiratory failure. The treatment of IPF has been a medical challenge, as there are no definitive therapies to cure the disease, but rather to control symptoms and slow its progression. This study aims to review and evaluate therapeutic approaches for the treatment of IPF, considering both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, in addition to exploring the most recent results in terms of efficacy and safety. The methodology used will be based on scientific articles published between 2008 and 2024, which will be found through manual research carried out on the digital platforms PubMed and ScientificLibrary Online (SciELO) using the Boolean operator AND for the intersection of the keywords: “pulmonary fibrosis”; “treatment”; “prognosis”; “therapeutic advances”. Antifibrotic drugs such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, which have shown benefits in reducing the rate of decline in lung function, will be evaluated, as well as new therapies under investigation. In addition, complementary treatments such as pulmonary rehabilitation and lung transplantation will be considered in more severe cases. The expected results indicate that, despite advances in pharmacological treatment, the combination of therapies may offer the best results for controlling the progression of IPF. This study aims to provide a clearer understanding of the therapeutic options available and contribute to improving the quality of life of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.