Identifying hidden areas of lung damage in COPD patients
Official title: Silent Zones of Lung Disease in COPD
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11001142 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special lung scans can help us find hidden problem areas in the lungs of people with COPD, especially smokers, to see how these areas affect breathing and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $167,737 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HL163249-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001142 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are current and former smokers who have been diagnosed with COPD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with COPD who do not have any history of smoking may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by examining the relationship between traditional lung imaging and lung function. It uses advanced imaging techniques to identify 'Silent Zones' in the lungs that may not show up on standard scans but could indicate compromised lung mechanics. By analyzing CT scans from a large cohort of smokers, the study aims to correlate these hidden areas with patients' respiratory health and quality of life. The findings could lead to better understanding and management of COPD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for COPD patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to assess lung health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bodduluri, Sandeep — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Bodduluri, Sandeep
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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.