Detecting early lung transplant rejection with advanced imaging

Predicting the onset of chronic rejection in lung transplant recipients using hyperpolarized 129Xe imaging

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11109637

This project uses a special imaging technique to find early signs of lung rejection in people who have had a lung transplant.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11109637 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many lung transplant recipients face a condition called chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), which causes a gradual decline in lung function and is hard to treat once advanced. Currently, doctors rely on breathing tests, which can be unclear and don't always pinpoint the problem or differentiate between rejection and infection. This project aims to develop a new imaging method using hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI to detect CLAD earlier and more precisely. This advanced imaging can provide detailed, regional measurements of lung function, helping doctors identify issues before they become severe.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be lung transplant recipients, especially those who are at risk for or in the early stages of chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients who have not received a lung transplant or who do not have chronic lung allograft dysfunction would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this imaging method could allow for earlier diagnosis of chronic lung allograft dysfunction, potentially leading to more effective treatments and better outcomes for lung transplant recipients.

How similar studies have performed: While hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI is an advanced technique, its specific application for early CLAD detection in this manner is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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 →

Conditions: Airway infections

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.