Background: Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene encoding a protein called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and is characterised by chronic lung infection resulting in inflammation and progressive lung damage that results in a reduced life expectancy.
Objectives: To determine whether topical CFTR gene replacement therapy to the lungs in people with cystic fibrosis is associated with improvements in clinical outcomes, and to assess any adverse effects.
Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearching relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. Date of most recent search: February 2007
Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials comparing topical CFTR gene delivery to the lung, using either viral or non-viral delivery systems, with placebo or an alternative delivery system in people with confirmed cystic fibrosis.
Data collection and analysis: The authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality. Authors of included studies were contacted and asked for any available additional data. Meta-analysis was limited due to differing study designs.
Main results: Three randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria for this review, involving a total of 155 participants. Thirteen studies were excluded. The included studies differed in terms of CFTR gene replacement agent and study design, which limited the meta-analysis. Although the first Moss study reported a significant improvement in respiratory function (FEV(1)) 30 days after participants had received their first dose of gene therapy agent, this finding was not confirmed in their larger second study or in our meta-analysis.In participants who received the CFTR gene transfer agents in the Alton study, "influenza-like" symptoms were found (relative risk 7.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10 to 44.61)). There were no other significant increases in adverse events in any of the studies. Alton measured ion transport in the lower airways and demonstrated significant changes toward normal values in the participants who received gene transfer agents (P < 0.0001), weighted mean difference 6.86 (95% CI of 3.77 to 9.95). In these participants there was also evidence of increased salt transport in cells obtained by brushing the lower airway. These outcomes, whilst important, are not of direct clinical relevance.
Authors' conclusions: There is currently no evidence to support the use of CFTR gene transfer reagents as a treatment for lung disease in people with cystic fibrosis. Future studies need to investigate clinically important outcome measures.