Cork Centre for Cystic Fibrosis (3CF)

3CF Research Projects

We are a translational research group that has an interest in a wide range of areas that pertain to the needs of CF patients. We operate through the governance structures of the HRB Clinical Research Facility-Cork (CRF-C) in UCC, we also work alongside a wide range of projections and collaborators.

Modulation

2023: Assessment of CF Patients not on CFTR modulator therapy versus CF Patients not on CFTR modulation. Is a Two-Tier System the Future?
2022: To study the short- and long-term impacts/changes on body composition in patients with CF being treated with Kaftrio
2020: Kaftrio/Kalydeco (Triple Combination CFTR modulator), Clinical outcomes, 12 month analysis addressing the effectiveness of triple combination CFTR modulation in patients with Cystic Fibrosis, homozygous for the ΔF508del or heterozygous for the ΔF508del.
2019: Real world pregnancy data and outcomes in an era post CFTR modulation therapies.
2019: An audit of prevalence of urinary incontinence in an a adult cystic fibrosis population, and the impact this has on quality of life
2019 - ongoing: Long-term clinical and systemic inflammatory outcomes post CFTR modulation with Ivacaftor; a single-centre experience.
2019: Real world Orkambi Long term Leavers (ROLL) study – a prospective 12 month analysis addressing the effectiveness of Symkevi/Kalydeco in patients with Cystic Fibrosis Homozygous for ΔF508del CFTR.
2019: StudyReal-world Orkambi cohort CorK (ROCK) study – a prospective 12 month analysis addressing the impact effectiveness of CFTR modulation in patients with Cystic Fibrosis Homozygous for ΔF508del CFTR.
2015: Continuation of; Safety, efficacy and tolerability of Kalydeco in real-world settings: the experience of a single-centre in the use of CFTR_potentiator therapy.
2015: Understanding the metabolic consequences of CFTR modulation.
2013: Safety, efficacy and tolerability of Kalydeco in real-world settings: the experience of a single-centre in the use of CFTR_potentiator therapy.
2013: Impact of ivacaftor on P. aeruginosa colonization in cystic fibrosis.
2013: Assessment of response to Ivacaftor in CF patients with G551D mutation receiving Ivacaftor as part of the name patient programme.

Microbiome

2015 - ongoing: Understanding the CF Lung Microbiome in the setting of CFTR Modulation (collaboration with Prof Michael Tunney, Dr Gisli Einarsson, and Prof Stuart Elborn)
2014: CFMATTERS - Cystic Fibrosis Microbiome Determined Antimicrobial Therapy Trials in Exacerbations: Results Stratified.

Gut Health

2015 - ongoing: Clostridium difficile in Cystic Fibrosis (collaboration with APC and Tegasc)
2015 - ongoing: Prospective analysis on the gut microbiome (collaboration with APC and Tegasc)
2016: The relationship between forskolin induced intestinal organoid swelling and clinical response in patients with cystic fibrosis receiving ivacaftor therapy.
2015: Nutritional Evaluation pre & post CFTR modulation with Ivacaftor, a retrospective assessment in a large single centre cohort
2015: Altered gut microbiota in stable patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) compared to controls and its relationship with intravenous (IV) antibiotic usage and lung function

TeleMedicine

2023: Members and co-ordinators of the Telehealth for Cystic Fibrosis (THCF) ECFS working group.

2020: TeCC Study (Telemedicine, Coronavirus, Cystic-fibrosis); The development of Telemedicine to sustain a high level of care in a Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patient cohort during a public health crisis

Medical Multimedia/Digital Health

2020: Virtual Cystic Fibrosis Doctor; design, development, and user experience pilot study
2019: "Virtual Transition" - A virtual reality application for paediatric patients transitioning to adult care
2018: "What is a Portacath, Gastrostomy Tube, and Bronchoscopy" - Patient education tools developed for bedside tablets in 5B
2017: "My CF Passport" - An Android app to allow adult CF patients to store their basic medical info
2016: "Huffy Bird" - Serious Games for CF Adults
2015: Who Is Talking About CF? Analysis of Internet Postings
2015: "The Lung Experience" - Three virtual reality educational tools for medical students to learn about lung anatomy and CF

Real World Studies

2023: A baseline study of the otological and audiological profile of cystic fibrosis adults within an Irish population
2022: Exploring diet quality in Cystic Fibrosis –enablers and barriers to eating a healthy diet in CF (Collaboration with Dr Audrey Tierney in the University of Limerick)
2022: Retrospective review of bone health status, management and treatment of low bone mineral density of the CF Adult Population in CUH
2021: Incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a designated adult cystic fibrosis service between 2010 and 2020
2020: Oral Health in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis (Collaboration with Dr Martina Hayes in the Cork University Dental School & Hospital)
2019: Clinical utility and effectiveness of the flash glucose monitor FreeStyle Libre versus capillary blood glucose measurements in adults with cystic fibrosis related diabetes - a pilot study
2019: An audit of prevalence of urinary incontinence in an a adult cystic fibrosis population, and the impact this has on quality of life
2018: An Analysis Of Change In Nebulised/Inhaled Therapy Practices In Adult Patients With Cystic Fibrosis Over Time
A retrosepective analysis of patient chest physiotherapy practices and adherence to inhaled and nebulised therapies after commencement of CFTR modulator therapy; Kalydeco. A five year follow up study
2015: The impact of intense exercise on cytokine response to antigen stimulation in elite level athletes

Diagnostic Imaging

2021 - ongoing: Feasibility and utility of PRAGMA-CF and the Airway-Artery Method with ultra-low-dose thoracic CT in cystic fibrosis.
2015 - ongoing: The 3CF group have continued to work with Prof Michael Meagher and Dr Owen O'Connor from the department of radiology at the Cork University Hospital/University College Cork, exploring best practices for imaging the CF lung with an emphasis on minimising radiation dose.