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Treatments for pulmonary fibrosis

Lung transplantation

A lung transplant may be an option for the few patients who meet strict criteria

In lung transplantation, one or both damaged lungs are replaced with the lungs from a donor. A lung transplant may be offered if your pulmonary fibrosis is quickly worsening or very severe.1,2 The procedure has the potential to improve your quality of life and help you live longer,1,2 and it may be a good option for a small number of patients.

Lung transplantation
Limitations of lung transplantation

Limitations of lung transplantation

A lung transplant will not cure pulmonary fibrosis, and it is a major operation that carries serious risks. After a lung transplantation, you will need to take certain medicines for the rest of your life. In addition, not everyone with pulmonary fibrosis is eligible for a lung transplant.2,3

Factors that may make someone ineligible for a lung transplant:

  • Certain co-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure2
  • Age beyond the limit, usually between 60 and 65 years2,4
  • Non-curable infections2
  • Substance addiction2

Even if you are eligible, you may need to join a long waiting list for a transplant, as the number of donor organs available for transplantation is very small.1,4-6 

Speaking to your care team about lung transplantation

If you think you could be eligible for a lung transplant, make sure you speak to your treatment team. They will have a complete picture of the different aspects of your health and will be able to start the process if you are eligible.

What to consider before talking to your treatment team about a lung transplant1:
  • You must be in good overall health with no other life-threatening illnesses such as kidney failure, heart failure, heart disease, or cancer2
  • You need to have stopped smoking for at least 6 months before a transplant. You may have to take tests to confirm you are no longer smoking2
  • Your alcohol intake should be minimal2
  • You need to be able to take different types of medications to ensure the success of your lung transplant2
  • You must be at a healthy body weight4

Your treatment team may address the possibility of a lung transplant as early as the time of diagnosis. They will assess whether you meet all the criteria for a lung transplant and will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you.

Explore strategies and advice for living with pulmonary fibrosis.

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Abbreviations: ILD, interstitial lung disease; IPF, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; PF, pulmonary fibrosis; RA-ILD, rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease.

  1. Thabut G, Mal H, Castier Y, et al. Survival benefit of lung transplantation for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2003;126(2):469-475.

  2. Orens JB, Estenne M, Arcasoy S, et al. International guidelines for the selection of lung transplant candidates: 2006 update--a consensus report from the Pulmonary Scientific Council of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant. 2006;25(7):745-755.

  3. National Health Service. Lung transplant medicines. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/treatment/

  4. National Health Service. Lung: what you need to know before and after a lung transplant. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-transplant/preparation/#why-a-lung-transplant-might-be-unsuitable