NIH-funded research R01 grant

Optical imaging biomarker to predict lung disease outcomes in IPF

Official title: Optical imaging biomarker to predict disease outcomes in pulmonary fibrosis

Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11374250 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new imaging test using tiny endobronchial optics could help predict how IPF will progress and who might need a transplant.

More Fibrosis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startJuly 15, 2026
Project endMarch 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,664,696
NIH project number1R01HL181336-01A1
Project IDNIH-11374250 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults recently diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who are undergoing endobronchial procedures and consent to advanced lung imaging.

Less likely to help

Patients unable to undergo the required endobronchial PS-OCT imaging or who do not have IPF may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project aims to create a patient-specific optical biomarker from a minimally invasive endobronchial PS-OCT scan taken at diagnosis to forecast disease progression and risk of death in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. By capturing microscopic activity of fibrogenesis, the test intends to improve timing of treatments and referrals, including potential transplant consideration. The study leverages high-resolution 3D lung imaging to look for patterns that traditional tests miss, across various regions of the lungs. The goal is to give clinicians a more accurate and timely picture of prognosis to guide care decisions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients and clinicians could plan more effectively, potentially improving survival and quality of life through earlier, better-informed decisions.

How similar studies have gone: High-resolution optical imaging has shown promise in other lung diseases, but this approach is novel for IPF prognosis.

Where this research is happening

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Hariri, Lida P — Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Hariri, Lida P

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.