Summer 2001 ~ Newsletter
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Local Research Opportunities
We have several ongoing studies and would like for you to have an updated list to allow you to volunteer or participate, as you see fit. These studies help us learn more about CF and its involvement with the body. Call Valerie Eubanks at (205) 939-5743 if you have any questions.
Zithromax Study - Testing the ability of this antibiotic to stabilize lung function in CF patients.
Gentamicin Study - Testing the ability of this medicine to activate certain CF genes.
Adenosine vs. Isoproternol Study - Testing the ability of these compounds to activate chloride secretion in the nose
Nasal Potential Difference Studies - Studying the salt movement between the cells of CF patients.
Hemoptysis Study - Study to find the causes of hemoptysis (coughing up blood) in CF patients.
Research Update
by J.P. Clancy, MD
Many of you have been involved in current and past research studies. We would like to thank all of you for helping us to test new therapies and medicines, some of which may someday lead to new treatments for CF patients. We have much going on, as you can see from above. There are lots of ways in which you can be involved in research, from very short (one-time studies) tests to being parts of studies that go on for several months. If you are interested in participating, call Valerie Eubanks (study coordinator) or myself to talk about what's right for you.
Last week, the CF Foundation brought together their top researchers for a meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia. The meeting was a big success, and helped use to determine what are the next important studies to perform. The most important finding were that part of the CF problem in the lungs involves what are called submucosal glands, which help make the mucus that coats the airways. The glands get plugged up, much like what happens in the pancreas and the GI tract. We now need to determine how to help the glands work better. Other big news was that we are learning a lot more about Pseudomonas, and that new antibiotics are being developed to kill these dangerous bacteria in the lungs of CF patients.
Finally, gene chip technology is being used to better understand CF, Pseudomonas, and how the two influence each other. This new technology will help us rapidly determine what are the next best targets for treatment of CF.
On a national level, last month an amazing donation of $25 million was given to the CF Foundation anonymously to fund research. Generosity such as this reminds all of use that there is a lot of interest in the community to better understand CF and learn how to stamp it out.