Progressive pulmonary fibrosis: research is a game changer

Dear colleagues, specialists, and all those interested in the evolution of pulmonology, I am pleased to share my thoughts ahead of the upcoming Pneumo Puglia Academy Congress, now in its fifth edition, to be held in Bari on December 15th and 16th, 2025.

My presentation will focus on Session IV: Pulmonary Fibrosis: Between Diagnosis and New Therapies, scheduled for Tuesday, December 16.

In particular, I will have the honor of discussing a topic that is crucial to me: “Progressive pulmonary fibrosis: treatments that are changing the rules of the game.”

In recent years, our understanding of pulmonary fibrosis, and especially its progressive forms, has made great strides. These diseases, once considered inevitably destined for rapid decline, are now being addressed with an ever-expanding therapeutic arsenal. Research is providing concrete answers, and as clinicians, we have a duty to promptly integrate this new evidence into our daily practice.

During the session, we will explore how current treatments are revolutionizing the approach to progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF), offering patients not only hope but also measurable results in terms of quality of life and slowing disease progression. We will discuss mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and the challenges that still lie ahead.

The session, chaired by Prof. M. Cosio, will also feature key contributions from colleagues such as V. Poletti, who will talk about how early diagnosis can change lives, P. Spagnolo, who will take stock of anti-fibrotic therapies between old certainties and new hopes, and F. Lavorini, who will address the symptom of cough and its relationship with fibrosis.

A rich program, which aims to provide a comprehensive update on the entire clinical management of pulmonary fibrosis.

The Puglia Academy event is a valuable opportunity for discussion and updating for all professionals. I look forward to seeing you in Bari for this fundamental discussion.