Improving the use of donor lungs for transplantation

Optimizing Donor Management in Lung Transplantation

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10646380

This study is looking to improve lung transplants by finding better ways to determine if lungs from brain-dead donors are suitable for patients, helping to make sure more people with serious lung conditions can get the transplants they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10646380 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the process of lung transplantation by addressing the low utilization rates of donor lungs from brain dead individuals. It aims to develop and validate a predictive model that can better assess the suitability of donor lungs, which is crucial given the limited availability of these organs. The study will also investigate the factors affecting donor lung quality and their impact on transplant outcomes, ultimately seeking to optimize the use of this vital resource for patients with end-stage lung disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from end-stage lung disease who may benefit from lung transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients with lung diseases that are not considered for transplantation or those who are not eligible for lung transplant due to other health conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of available donor lungs for transplantation, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients with end-stage lung disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in optimizing organ utilization in other transplant areas, suggesting that similar approaches may be effective for lung transplantation.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.