Early lung screening after pediatric stem-cell transplant using inhaled xenon MRI
Early detection of pulmonary complications of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in children using hyperpolarized xenon MRI
This tests a special inhaled xenon MRI scan to find early lung problems in children who have had a hematopoietic stem-cell transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257352 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If my child has had a stem-cell transplant, this project would use a safe, inhaled form of xenon gas and MRI to make pictures of how air moves and how oxygen crosses into the blood in the lungs. The team is adapting this hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI so very young children who cannot do standard breathing tests can still have detailed lung checks. They will develop and refine the gas-exchange imaging methods and test whether the scans detect small airway, tissue, or blood-vessel problems early after transplant. The approach aims to give a clear, noninvasive picture of lung health across different parts of the lung over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents who have recently undergone hematopoietic stem-cell transplant, especially those too young or unable to perform conventional breathing tests.
Not a fit: People without a history of stem-cell transplant, those with purely infectious lung problems unrelated to transplant, or individuals unable to undergo MRI or inhale the study gas may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could find lung injury earlier so doctors can intervene sooner and help prevent irreversible lung damage and death.
How similar studies have performed: Early adult and small pediatric studies using hyperpolarized xenon MRI have shown promise for detecting ventilation and gas-exchange problems, but using it specifically for early post-HSCT lung injury in very young children is a newer application.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walkup, Laura Lee — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Walkup, Laura Lee
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.