Understanding how airway structure affects COPD risk using CT images

Airway Tree Subtyping on Large Cohorts of CT Images for COPD Risk

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10878924

This study is looking at how the shape of your airways might affect your chances of getting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in people who have never smoked, to help find better ways to understand and treat the condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10878924 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between the structure of the airway tree and the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by analyzing large cohorts of high-resolution CT images. The study aims to identify variations in airway structure that may contribute to COPD risk, particularly in individuals who have never smoked. By manually labeling and analyzing these airway structures, the researchers hope to uncover new subphenotypes of COPD that can lead to more personalized risk assessments and treatment options for patients. The methodology involves advanced imaging techniques and genetic analysis to explore the biological basis of these variations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of COPD, smokers, and never-smokers who are concerned about their lung health.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing severe COPD or those who do not have access to high-resolution CT imaging may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved risk assessment and personalized treatment strategies for patients at risk of COPD.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to identify risk factors for COPD, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.