Monitoring KL-6 levels in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Longitudinal Changes in Serum KL-6 Levels in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (LOCK-IPF)

Observational Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust · NCT04268485

This study is testing if measuring a specific protein in the blood can help doctors understand how well treatments are working for people newly diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorManchester University NHS Foundation Trust Government
Locations1 site (Manchester)
Trial IDNCT04268485 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to measure serum levels of KL-6, a biomarker associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), in patients newly diagnosed with the condition. Blood samples will be collected at baseline and then at 3, 6, and 12 months to assess changes in KL-6 levels over time. The study seeks to determine if these changes correlate with lung function and treatment response, providing insights into the effectiveness of current therapies for IPF. The research is particularly focused on understanding KL-6's utility in a European population, as most prior studies have been conducted in Japan.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older with a multidisciplinary team diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Not a fit: Patients with significant respiratory co-morbidities or those currently participating in other clinical trials may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate monitoring of disease progression and treatment response in patients with IPF.

How similar studies have performed: While KL-6 has been studied primarily in Japan, this study represents a novel approach to assessing its utility in a European context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 or older
* Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as per international consensus guidelines

Exclusion criteria

* Significant respiratory co-morbidity (i.e. where the major respiratory diagnosis is not IPF)
* FEV1/FVC ratio \< 70% on full lung function testing
* Current smoker (within 4 week of enrollment)
* Received treatment for acute lower respiratory tract infection with last 4 weeks
* Use of long-term (greater than 4 weeks) oral corticosteroids or immunosuppression within 4 weeks of enrolment
* Current participation in a double-blind placebo-controlled pharmaceutical trial

Where this trial is running

Manchester

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Idiopathic Pulmonary FibrosisKL-6Krebs von den Lungen-6Biomarker
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.