Advanced Imaging for Lung Scarring
PET-MR Imaging of pulmonary fibrosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11192244
This project uses special imaging scans to better understand lung scarring, predict how it might change, and see if treatments are working for people with pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11192244 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious lung disease with limited treatment options, and current methods for diagnosis and monitoring often fall short in detecting early disease or tracking treatment effectiveness. This project aims to improve how we see and understand lung scarring by using a combination of PET and MR imaging. Researchers are developing a new tracer that specifically highlights collagen, a key component of scar tissue, to identify active fibrosis earlier. This advanced imaging could help doctors distinguish between new, active scarring and stable disease, and monitor how well anti-fibrotic therapies are working.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who need better ways to track their disease activity and treatment response might be ideal candidates for future studies using this technology.
Not a fit: Patients without pulmonary fibrosis or those not seeking advanced imaging for disease monitoring may not directly benefit from this specific imaging approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this imaging could lead to earlier diagnosis, better predictions of disease progression, and more personalized treatment decisions for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: This approach builds on promising early results in animal models and initial human testing, suggesting a novel way to detect and monitor lung scarring.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CARAVAN, PETER D — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: CARAVAN, PETER D
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 below.