Advances in Interstitial Lung Diseases: From Diagnosis to Treatment

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Pulmonology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 3222

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Respiratory Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona (Barcelona), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: sarcoidosis; IPF—idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; ILD—interstitial lung diseases; pulmonary fibrosis; pulmonology
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Guest Editor Assistant
Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Respiratory Department, Hospital General de Granollers, 08402 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: IPF—idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; ILD—interstitial lung diseases; pulmonary fibrosis; pulmonology; sleep

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) represent a diverse and complex group of disorders characterized by varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis. Over the past decades, advances in imaging, molecular biology, and pharmacology have significantly improved our understanding of ILDs. Despite these developments, early diagnosis remains a challenge, and the therapeutic landscape continues to evolve with new antifibrotic agents, immunomodulatory treatments, and emerging precision medicine approaches. Additionally, the integration of holistic and comprehensive management strategies, including pulmonary rehabilitation, psychological support, and palliative care, is crucial for improving patient outcomes and the quality of life.

This Special Issue aims to provide an updated and multidisciplinary perspective on ILDs, covering state-of-the-art diagnostic methods, novel therapeutic strategies, and the role of personalized medicine. We seek to explore the impact of telemedicine in ILD management, particularly its potential for remote monitoring, early exacerbation detection, and expanded access to specialized care.

We invite researchers and clinicians to submit original research reports on novel treatment strategies and advances in decision making, and comprehensive reviews covering the following areas:

  • Advancements in ILD diagnosis, including high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), artificial intelligence, and biomarker discovery.
  • Novel therapeutic approaches, such as antifibrotics, biologics, and combination therapies.
  • Holistic and multidisciplinary management strategies, including nursing care, pulmonary rehabilitation, psychological support, and patient-centered care.
  • The role of telemedicine and digital health solutions in ILD monitoring and treatment.

By bringing together the latest advances in ILD diagnosis, treatment, and management, this Special Issue aims to highlight emerging technologies, innovative therapies, and integrated care models that can improve early detection, slow disease progression, and enhance the overall management of ILD patients.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Journal of Respiration.

Dr. Jacobo Sellarés
Guest Editor

Dr. Jaume Bordas-Martinez
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • interstitial lung diseases (ILD)
  • pulmonary fibrosis
  • early diagnosis
  • biomarkers
  • antifibrotic therapy
  • immunomodulation
  • precision medicine
  • telemedicine
  • holistic care
  • patient-centered care

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 284 KB  
Article
A Pragmatic Tele-Nursing Program Improves Satisfaction of Patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis and Their Caregivers—A Pilot Study
by Mireia Baiges, David Iglesias, Sara Persentili, Marta Jiménez, Pilar Ortega and Jaume Bordas-Martinez
Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1385; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081385 - 30 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Specialized nurses play an essential role in managing pulmonary fibrosis. While tele-nursing has the potential to optimize disease management, current evidence regarding its impact remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate a tele-nursing intervention that provided unscheduled access to [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Specialized nurses play an essential role in managing pulmonary fibrosis. While tele-nursing has the potential to optimize disease management, current evidence regarding its impact remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate a tele-nursing intervention that provided unscheduled access to a specialized nurse via phone or email for both patients and caregivers. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, open-label, and pre–post pilot study. Participants and their caregivers were provided with direct access to a specialized nurse, by phone and email, for unscheduled consultations. Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected at baseline and after three months of tele-nursing access. PREMs were assessed using a 10-point Likert scale questionnaire, and PROMs were evaluated using the King’s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (K-BILD) and the Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis (L-PF) questionnaires. Results: A total of 47 patients with pulmonary fibrosis receiving antifibrotic drugs were enrolled. At three months, 44 patients and 34 caregivers completed the questionnaires. Four patients did not complete the study due to death, lung transplantation, or transition to end-of-life care. No significant changes were observed in PROMs. However, PREMs showed significant improvements, with most scores exceeding 9/10. Patient satisfaction increased by 28% (p < 0.001), and caregiver satisfaction by 30% (p < 0.001). Caregivers of patients who did not complete the study also reported high satisfaction, comparable to that of other caregivers. Conclusions: A pragmatic and affordable tele-nursing program, based on direct phone and email consultations, may enhance patient and caregiver satisfaction in the management of pulmonary fibrosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Interstitial Lung Diseases: From Diagnosis to Treatment)

Review

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12 pages, 1200 KB  
Review
Acute Exacerbation of Interstitial Lung Disease: Early Diagnosis and Treatment
by Francisco León-Román, Elisa Martínez-Besteiro, David Iturbe, Teresa Peña-Miguel, Marco López-Zubizarreta, Sofía Yerovi-Onofre, Ana María Andrés-Porras, David Jerves-Donoso, Cristina Martín-Carbajo, Carmen López-Represa, Ana Jiménez-Romero and Claudia Valenzuela
Medicina 2025, 61(12), 2097; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61122097 - 25 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Diagnosis and treatment of acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) continue to be challenging. The annual incidence of AE in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is 5% to 15%, with an in-hospital mortality exceeding 50%. Similar annual incidence and mortality rates have been [...] Read more.
Diagnosis and treatment of acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) continue to be challenging. The annual incidence of AE in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is 5% to 15%, with an in-hospital mortality exceeding 50%. Similar annual incidence and mortality rates have been documented in other ILDs. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying AE are not entirely clear, although they could involve an acute injury or inflammatory process in previously affected lung tissue, with histological features of diffuse alveolar damage, similar to acute respiratory distress syndrome. AE-ILD is defined based on the following criteria: acute respiratory worsening within 30 days in a patient with a previous or concurrent diagnosis of ILD accompanied by new bilateral ground-glass abnormalities and/or consolidation on high-resolution computed tomography after ruling out heart failure or fluid overload. Pharmacologic treatments such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants have been and continue to be used despite scarce evidence from randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials. Oxygen therapy and ventilatory support are key elements of treatment of AE-ILD. The aim of our article is to provide an updated review on the diagnosis and treatment of AE-ILD and to propose practical algorithms for management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Interstitial Lung Diseases: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
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16 pages, 11850 KB  
Review
Checkpoint Inhibitor Pneumonitis: Key Insights for Pulmonologists
by Candela Serra, Mariana Benegas, Xavier Alsina-Restoy, Nuria Roger-Casals and Fernanda Hernández-González
Medicina 2025, 61(11), 2064; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61112064 - 19 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer therapy, offering significant efficacy and a generally favorable safety profile. However, they are associated with a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), among which pneumonitis stands out due to its relatively high mortality. This condition is [...] Read more.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer therapy, offering significant efficacy and a generally favorable safety profile. However, they are associated with a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), among which pneumonitis stands out due to its relatively high mortality. This condition is characterized by nonspecific clinical manifestations and a broad differential diagnosis, often requiring the involvement of pulmonologists for accurate diagnosis and management. Given its potential severity, it is crucial for pulmonologists to be well-versed in recognizing and addressing checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP). In this narrative review, we examine reported cases of pneumonitis in patients with various types of cancer treated with ICIs. The article explores the mechanisms of action of ICIs, the underlying pathophysiology of pneumonitis, associated risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and current treatment strategies, intended to support pulmonologists in improving early detection and implementing evidence-based management of this potentially life-threatening complication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Interstitial Lung Diseases: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
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