For patients with bronchiectasis—a chronic lung condition in which damaged, thickened airways make breathing challenging—receiving care at an institution with the highest level of expertise and resources is critical.
That’s why the Temple Lung Center’s recent designation as a member of the Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Care Center Network is such an important milestone. This network of the nation’s top bronchiectasis treatment centers was established to facilitate access to specialized care, promoting timely diagnosis and providing outstanding resources and education to those with chronic lung diseases.
“Bronchiectasis is a condition that affects so many people: about 500,000 in the United States alone,” says Daniel A. Salerno, MD, MS, Professor of Thoracic Medicine & Surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, who spearheaded the Care Center accreditation effort. “The Temple Lung Center is already a national and worldwide leader in treating chronic lung conditions, and our partnership with the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network will provide essential resources as we look to care for even more bronchiectasis patients.”
That includes the opportunity to participate in clinical trials—in addition to the 50+ the Lung Center is already a part of—and access the network’s research database.
“This is a very exciting time for bronchiectasis treatment,” Dr. Salerno explains. “Last August, the FDA approved the first medication specifically for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, and we’ve been able to prescribe it to some of our patients. There are so many treatments on the horizon that can really make a difference, and thanks to this partnership, we’ll be at the forefront of using new therapies to provide much-needed relief.”