Progress In Understanding Cystic Fibrosis

Progress in Understanding Cystic Fibrosis

Congenital defects in humans are of greater concern, and in that line, cystic fibrosis (CF) has been one of the most complex diseases posing treatment challenge till date. Though it is a chronic condition, CF is closely associated with dysfunction of various organ systems of the human body, which in turn results in secondary infections by microbes. Decades of research by scientists worldwide has narrowed down the cause of CF to a single target gene. But the complexity of the disease is the prime impediment to finding a single-shot cure. Fortunately, the multidisciplinary approach toward understanding and management of the CF condition has certainly increased the level of life expectancy among CF patients. In particular, the "omics" and the "systems biology" approach have greatly widened the focal area for better understanding of the disease. This book includes a collection of interesting chapters contributed by eminent scientists around the world who have been striving to improve the life of those affected by CF.

Progress in Understanding Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis in the 21st Century

Cystic fibrosis used to be thought of as a respiratory and digestive disease, with a uniformly and rapidly fatal outcome. The spectrum of the disease has broadened into the mild atypical case, presenting in middle age, with the potential for complications in virtually every system of the body. In the past few years there has been an explosion of knowledge of the basic science of the defect. The editors have therefore invited the leading scientists and clinicians in the field of cystic fibrosis to describe the recent advances in this disease. Although there are many 'Recent Advances' texts, previous books have been selective in their choice of topics. This book is the first to cover the entire field of this complex disease, and encompasses the rapidly moving topics of the basic molecular and cellular biology as well as the recent multi-system, multi-disciplinary advances in the clinical care of patients. The authors have been charged with writing only about new developments and not to rehash old literature. The bulk of the references is therefore less than five years old. This book addresses all professionals who treat cystic fibrosis and want to have an up-date of new findings in the field, particularly of those outside their immediate specialisation. It will also be useful for basic researchers interested in related scientific areas and the clinical context of their work.