A Fundamental Step Towards the Future of Pulmonary Fibrosis

The Aula Brasca at the Policlinico Gemelli is still buzzing with the energy and enthusiasm generated by an intense day of discussion and learning.

The Fleischner Society-approved seminar, ‘Imaging and Management of Pulmonary Fibrosis - 2025 and Beyond’, has come to an end, and I would like to share my thoughts on what has been achieved.

Together with Prof. Kevin Brown, I had the honour of opening this important event. Our goal was clear: to create a crucial training opportunity for young Italian pulmonologists, rheumatologists, radiologists and internists, while facilitating an interactive meeting with some of the leading international experts in the field of pulmonary fibrosis.

The day was a deep dive into the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that pulmonary fibrosis, in all its forms, presents us with on a daily basis. I had the pleasure of speaking personally in the morning, focusing on a fundamental topic: the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, in which I reiterated how rapidly research is advancing. We must be ready to welcome the results of ongoing studies, which promise new horizons in treatment.

The programme was designed to cover every aspect of the disease:

• We began with Prof. Brown, who illustrated the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, followed by our Q&A session moderated by Prof. Fabrizio Luppi.
• The morning session then explored associated forms, with Prof. De Lorenzis discussing CTD-associated pulmonary fibrosis and Prof. Nishino exploring drug-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Last but not least, Prof. Hatabu's presentation on interstitial lung abnormalities added a crucial piece to the diagnostic picture.
• The afternoon shifted the focus to diagnostic imaging and emerging frontiers. Prof. Sverzellati discussed CT phenotyping, a key element for accurate and timely diagnosis.
• Finally, we touched on cutting-edge topics: from rare forms of pulmonary fibrosis presented by Prof. Inoue, to the use of AI-supported diagnosis illustrated by Prof. Jin Mo Goo, and the critical link between fibrosis and lung cancer discussed by Prof. Vancheri.

It is precisely this multidisciplinary and international approach that makes the Fleischner Society seminar such a valuable opportunity. Pulmonary fibrosis, with its severe prognosis, requires a united front of pulmonologists, radiologists and rheumatologists.

I had the pleasure of concluding the day together with Prof. Kevin Brown, a moment to reiterate the importance of collaboration and continuing education. I thank all the members of the Faculty for their essential contribution.

The enthusiasm of the participants and the quality of the discussions confirm that we are on the right track. The fight against pulmonary fibrosis is complex, but events like this allow us to tackle it with more efficient tools and a clearer vision.