Finding genes linked to familial pulmonary fibrosis
Official title: Unravelling the Genetic Basis of Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Next-Generation Sequencing Approach to Fibrogenesis and Surfactant Disorder Genes
Run by Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia · NCT07251725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether analyzing the genes of adults from families with multiple cases of pulmonary fibrosis can uncover genetic causes and help guide diagnosis and family counseling.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 126 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pavia, Lombardy) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 2028 |
| Study ends | September 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 26, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07251725 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are adults (18+) from families with at least two first-degree relatives diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis who can give consent and provide blood samples and medical records.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with sporadic pulmonary fibrosis without a family history, minors, or those unwilling or unable to provide samples or consent are unlikely to benefit from this genetic-focused effort.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
GEN-FPF is an observational, longitudinal and retrospective genetic study of families with multiple members affected by pulmonary fibrosis. Researchers will collect blood samples and clinical records from affected and unaffected first-degree relatives and perform targeted and broader genetic sequencing with emphasis on fibrogenesis and surfactant-related genes. Data will be analyzed for inherited variants, genotype-phenotype correlations, and shared molecular pathways with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The goal is to identify genetic markers for earlier diagnosis, improve prognostic counseling, and suggest potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier genetic diagnosis, better family counseling, and point to targets for personalized treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has identified causative genes (including telomere- and surfactant-related genes) in familial pulmonary fibrosis, so this work builds on established findings rather than testing a wholly unproven approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis (FPF): At least two individuals from the same family (first-degree relatives) diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis based on clinical, radiological, or histopathological criteria (e.g., HRCT pattern consistent with usual interstitial pneumonia, UIP). Definite or probable FPF diagnosis, according to international classification criteria and verified family history of disease. Age: Adults aged 18 years or older at the time of enrollment. Informed Consent: Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent (or consent provided by a legally authorized representative). Willingness to participate in genetic testing, clinical evaluations, and longitudinal follow-up. Availability of Family Members: Affected family members with pulmonary fibrosis willing to provide blood samples and clinical information. Unaffected first-degree relatives willing to participate in genetic testing and family history documentation. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Cohort: Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) according to ATS/ERS 2018 criteria, enrolled as a comparative (non-familial) cohort. Exclusion Criteria: Non-Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis: Individuals with isolated, sporadic pulmonary fibrosis (without a family history) who are not part of the defined IPF control group. Other Significant Pulmonary Diseases: Presence of pulmonary diseases unrelated to fibrosis (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, or active pulmonary infection). Refusal or Withdrawal of Consent: Individuals unwilling to provide or maintain informed consent for participation, genetic testing, or long-term data use.
Where it's running
-
Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo
Pavia, Lombardy, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ilaria Campo, PhD
- Email: i.campo@smatteo.pv.it
- Phone: +39 0382 501007
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Nerandomilast to slow lung changes in people with a family history of pulmonary fibrosis
This trial tests whether taking nerandomilast can slow early lung scarring in people aged 40 and older who have a first-degree relative with pulmonary fibrosis and CT evidence of interstitial lung abnormalities.
-
Understanding Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis
This study follows family members of people with a specific lung disease to see how the disease develops over time and what factors might increase their risk of getting pulmonary fibrosis.
-
AirGo Respiratory Monitoring During Lung Resection
Patients undergoing lung resection will wear the AirGo device to continuously monitor breathing before and after surgery to see if it helps track ventilation alongside standard checks.
-
Experiences After Risk-Reducing Mastectomy in BRCA1/2 Carriers
This study asks women with BRCA1/2 or related variants who had risk-reducing mastectomy to share their experiences and satisfaction to see what factors are connected to how happy they are with the outcome.
-
Natural history of eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and children
This observational study tests how eosinophilic esophagitis progresses over time in people 5 years and older to understand symptoms and outcomes.
-
COVID-19 Registry at San Matteo (SMACORE) - patient-matching observational registry
This registry tests how COVID-19 patients are being treated and progress across San Matteo in Pavia to understand patterns and outcomes.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.