Computer help to spot lung nodules on children's CT scans

Pediatric-specific computer aided detection of pulmonary nodules in computed tomography scans

['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON · NIH-11239792

This project will build a computer tool to help doctors find lung nodules on chest CT scans for children and young adults.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R03']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF DAYTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DAYTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11239792 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If my child has cancer, doctors use chest CT scans to look for lung nodules that may show the cancer has spread. This project will create a pediatric-specific computer-aided detection program trained on children's CT images to flag likely nodules and reduce missed findings. The team will compare the new pediatric tool to existing adult-based algorithms and measure how well it highlights clinically important nodules. The aim is to give radiologists a reliable second set of eyes to improve staging and treatment planning for young patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children and young adults who are receiving chest CT scans because of known or suspected cancer or follow-up for possible lung metastases.

Not a fit: Adults outside the pediatric age range, people without chest CT scans, or those with lung conditions unrelated to nodules are unlikely to benefit from this specific tool.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the tool could help find more true lung nodules earlier, improving cancer staging and treatment decisions for children and young adults.

How similar studies have performed: Computer-aided detection tools exist for adult chest CTs and have improved nodule detection in some studies, but pediatric-specific CAD systems are new and largely untested.

Where this research is happening

DAYTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.