If your child has cystic fibrosis (CF), then their genes play a role in their condition. The specific genes that cause their CF will also affect the types of medication that may work for them. That’s why it’s so important to understand the part genes play in CF when making decisions about your child’s healthcare.
CF is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This gene is responsible for producing CFTR proteins. When these proteins are working properly, they help regulate the flow of fluids and salt into and out of cells.
According to theCystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), scientists have identified more than 1,700 different types of mutations in the gene that can cause CF. To develop CF, your child must inherit two mutated copies of theCFTRgene — one from each biological parent.
Depending on the specific type of genetic mutations that your child has, they might be unable to produce CFTR proteins. In other cases, they might produce CFTR proteins that don’t work properly. These defects cause mucus to build up in their lungs and puts them at risk of complications.
Scientists have developed different ways to classify mutations in theCFTRgene. They currently sortCFTRgene mutations into five groups, based on the problems they can cause:
- Class 1: protein production mutations
- Class 2: protein processing mutations
- 第三类:gating mutations
- Class 4: conduction mutations
- Class 5: insufficient protein mutations
The specific types of genetic mutations that your child has can influence the symptoms they develop. It can also affect their treatment options.
In recent years, researchers have started to match different types of medication to different types of mutations in theCFTRgene. This process is known as theratyping. It can potentially help your child’s doctor determine which treatment plan is best for them.
Depending on your child’s age and genetics, their doctor might prescribe a CFTR modulator. This class of medication can be used to treat some people with CF. Specific types of CFTR modulators only work for people with specific types ofCFTRgene mutations.
So far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three CFTR modulator therapies:
- ivacaftor (Kalydeco)
- lumacaftor/ivacaftor (Orkambi)
- tezacaftor / ivacaftor (Symdeko)
About 60 percent of people with CF could benefit from one of these drugs, reports theCFF. In the future, scientists hope to develop other CFTR modulator therapies that could benefit more people.
To learn if your child might benefit from a CFTR modulator or other treatment, speak to their doctor. In some cases, their doctor might order tests to learn more about your child’s condition and how they might react to the medication.
If CFTR modulators aren’t the right fit for your child, other treatments are available. For example, their doctor might prescribe:
- mucus thinners
- bronchodilators
- antibiotics
- digestive enzymes
In addition to prescribing medications, your child’s health team might teach you how to perform airway clearance techniques (ACTs) to dislodge and drain mucus from your child’s lungs.
Many different types of genetic mutations can cause CF. The specific types of genetic mutations that your child has can influence their symptoms and treatment plan. To learn more about your child’s treatment options, speak to their doctor. In most cases, their doctor will recommend genetic testing.