Acute Lung Injury: Making the Injured Lung Perform Better and Rebuilding Healthy Lungs
Abstract
The focus of our original proposal was to identify new strategies for treating acute lung injury (ALI). This is a complex condition associated with diffuse injury to the distal alveolar epithelial gas exchange surface, resulting in marked impairment in the ability of the lung to oxygenate the blood. While there are many causes of ALI , this condition commonly occurs in cancer patients due to the immunosuppressive and toxic effects of chemotherapy and the debilitating effects of cancer. In this grant, we propose d to develop ventilatory and cell based strategies to treat the ALI syndromes . Project 1 focused on developing a novel mode of ventilation (variable ventilation; VV ) that is less injurious to the already damaged lung . Using an in vitro system , we determined parameters of how this ventilator strategy works and how it can be optimized. We obtained an IND from the FDA to initiate a first in human pilot study on VV in patients with ALI , which is now ongoing. Project 2 was focused on identifying what stem cell populations to repair the injured alveolar epithelial surface. During the course of this grant, we made considerable progress in understanding the biology of lung stem cells, how they can be generated, and have begun studies to determine which cell type may be most efficacious in lung repair. Overall, we have been able to meet the basic objectives of our initial application, developed new knowledge in this important area , and will use what we have learned for further investigation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA617051
Entities
People
- Alan Fine
Organizations
- Boston Medical Center