Measuring airway muscle function in asthma using advanced imaging technology
Assessing Airway Smooth Muscle Tone in Asthma with Endobronchial Optical Coherence Tomography
This study is looking at how the muscles in your airways work in asthma patients who don’t get better with regular treatments, using a special imaging technique to see what's happening in real-time, with the hope of creating better therapies just for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10669149 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how airway smooth muscle (ASM) behaves in patients with asthma, particularly those who do not respond to standard treatments. By using a novel imaging technique called polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT), the study aims to visualize and assess the function of ASM in real-time. This could lead to the development of targeted therapies that specifically address the underlying muscle changes in asthma, potentially improving patient outcomes. The research will involve a pilot clinical study to validate this imaging technology in a clinical setting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with asthma, particularly those who have not responded well to conventional therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with mild asthma or those who are well-controlled on existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with treatment-resistant asthma.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for assessing muscle function in various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adams, David C — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Adams, David C
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.