A new scoring system to evaluate lung transplant candidates
Official title: An Automated Frailty Scoring System for Lung Transplantation Based on Bio-Geo-Composition
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11170712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool to help doctors better understand how fit someone is for a lung transplant by looking at their chest scans, which could lead to better outcomes for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $443,476 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL174570-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170712 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from end-stage lung diseases who are being considered for lung transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for lung transplantation or those with conditions unrelated to lung health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an automated scoring system called the Pittsburgh Transplant Fitness Score (PTFS) to assess the fitness of candidates for lung transplantation. By analyzing pre-transplant chest CT scans, the study will evaluate biological and geometric factors that may influence transplant outcomes. The approach utilizes advanced algorithms to quantify these factors, which could lead to better patient selection and improved survival rates after lung transplants. The goal is to enhance the understanding of how individual characteristics impact the success of lung transplants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved outcomes and survival rates for lung transplant patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using automated scoring systems for patient selection in organ transplantation, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pu, Jiantao — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Pu, Jiantao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Automated frailty score from body shape and lung image for lung transplant candidates
A new computer model will use pre-transplant CT scans to automatically score a candidate’s fitness for a lung transplant, aiming to improve outcomes and donor-lung allocation.
-
Understanding frailty in lung transplant patients
This study looks at how things like aging and body health can impact the recovery and well-being of people getting lung transplants, with the goal of finding ways to improve care and support for these patients.
-
Investigating frailty and aging in childhood cancer survivors
This study is looking at childhood cancer survivors to see how they might face health challenges similar to older adults as they grow up, and it aims to find ways to help them stay strong and healthy by exploring treatments that could improve their well-being.
-
Body composition and outcomes after lung transplant
A patient-focused look at how body fat and muscle measurements around the time of lung transplant relate to recovery, complications, and quality of life after surgery.
-
Exercise-based frailty program for people awaiting lung transplants
A tailored exercise and lifestyle program is being tested to reduce frailty and improve outcomes for people waiting for a lung transplant.
-
AI-enabled bone aging and frailty markers in osteoporosis using advanced imaging
A clinician-scientist is using artificial intelligence with CT scans and epigenetics to better understand early bone aging and osteoporosis in adults.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.