It is estimated that one in every 3,600 children in Canada has cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disease that affects the glands that produce mucus and sweat. In CF, mucus production increases and the mucus becomes thick and sticky. This can block the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Mucus production also causes bacteria to grow, which can lead to infections in the lungs. Individuals with CF suffer from shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and poor exercise capacity. There are limited treatment options to reduce shortness of breath in these individuals. Some medications known as bronchodilators are commonly prescribed to reduce breathlessness in patients with CF. These drugs help open the airways making it easier to breathe. Unfortunately, there is limited scientific proof that these drugs can reduce shortness of breath and improve exercise capacity in patients with CF. As a result, some experts have recommended that these drugs should not be prescribed for patients with CF. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a bronchodilator on shortness of breath, exercise performance, and breathing responses compared to a placebo drug in adults with CF.
Who can participate
Age range
19 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male or female with confirmed diagnosis of CF based on consensus criteria
* Aged 19 years or older
* Stable clinical status
* Pre-bronchodilator FEV1.0 between 30% and 90% predicted
* Body mass index between 16 and 30 kg/m2
* Currently non-smoking or a past smoking history of less than 20 pack-years
Exclusion Criteria:
* A disease other than CF that could importantly contribute to dyspnea or exercise limitation
* Chronic airway infection with Mycobacterium abscessus, Burkholderia cepacia complex, or other organisms with infection control implications according to the treating physicians Contraindications to clinical exercise testing
* Use of supplemental oxygen or desaturation less than 80% with exercise
* History of solid organ transplantation
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Standardized dyspnea score at the highest equivalent submaximal exercise time achieved on both constant load exercise tests (i.e., iso-time).