Understanding pulmonary fibrosis clinical trials

Join Lung Foundation Australia, Professor Dan Chambers (Thoracic Physician, Chair of PACT) and Kevin Harrison (IPF patient) to learn more about Pulmonary Fibrosis clinical trials. You will hear from both a clinical and patient perspective about what is involved in clinical trials and treatment and what the benefits are for the patient and wider research.

The webinar highlights the benefits of participating in clinical trials including access to new treatments during their testing phase, frequent monitoring of your condition through contact with healthcare teams, as well as the opportunity to contribute to future treatment options for pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

The webinar outlines the different types of trials, such as Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), where participants are randomly assigned to different treatments, including placebo groups, to ensure accurate results, and Standard of Care trials, where participants may continue their current best available treatment while participating in the trial.

There are several steps involved in the participation process including the following: patients first receive a participant information and consent form detailing the study’s purpose, benefits, and risks. This should always be read carefully and discussed with family, friends, or their GP. Researchers then assess eligibility based on disease stage, age, and other factors. Finally, regular health assessments are conducted before, during, and after the trial, and participants must attend these assessments and maintain communication with their healthcare team.

There are important points to consider when considering participation in clinical trials, including potential of being allocated to placebo treatment and the need for frequent clinic visits and additional assessments. Key questions to ask include whether there is a placebo arm in the clinical trial, the duration of the trial, the frequency of hospital or clinic visits, if any additional tests are required, the benefits and side effects, the impact on current treatments, and the post-trial treatment plans.
It is important to remember that participation in clinical trials is a personal decision that should be made after thorough consideration and consultation with healthcare professionals.