CT scan analysis to spot early chronic lung disease
Official title: Quantitative Imaging Analysis to Identify Chronic Respiratory Disease
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11044097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses computer analysis of chest CT scans to find early signs of COPD and other long-term lung diseases in veterans and people at high risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002193-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are veterans and other older adults at high risk for lung disease—especially current or former smokers—who have had or will have a chest CT as part of lung cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
People without chest CT imaging, low-risk individuals, or those not receiving care in VA lung screening programs are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
If you are a veteran or high-risk adult who has had a chest CT for lung cancer screening, this project looks at your existing scans using automated computer tools to find patterns of chronic lung disease. These quantitative imaging methods measure lung structure and damage that can be missed or reported inconsistently by human readers. Researchers will develop and validate algorithms using chest CT data within the VA lung cancer screening program and compare the computer findings with clinical records and outcomes. The goal is to reliably flag undiagnosed COPD and interstitial lung disease so clinicians can follow up earlier.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help find lung disease earlier so patients receive treatment sooner and potentially avoid advanced complications.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows automated CT analysis can detect COPD and ILD with good sensitivity, but applying these tools systematically within lung cancer screening programs is a newer, less-tested step.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wan, Emily S — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Wan, Emily S
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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.