Using lung CT scans to spot COPDearly and help people
Official title: Leveraging Quantitative Imaging from Lung Cancer Screening to Create Tools to Confront COPD
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11400493 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher team will use data from lung cancer screening CT scans to improve COPD screening and help people at risk get diagnosed sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $656,948 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL174648-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400493 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 50–80 with a ≥20 pack-year smoking history who are undergoing LDCT lung cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not demonstrating COPD risk on imaging or not undergoing LDCT screening may not benefit from this tool.
What this research studies
This project plans to analyze low-dose CT scan data from lung cancer screening to identify imaging features that signal COPD in individuals aged 50–80 with a significant smoking history. By combining quantitative lung measurements with existing screening results, it aims to create a practical tool for clinicians to flag high-risk patients who should undergo pulmonary function testing. The study leverages data already collected in routine screenings and translates it into a COPD screening aid that could be integrated into care pathways. Participants would not need to undergo additional invasive procedures beyond standard screening data analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients at risk could receive earlier COPD detection and timely treatment, potentially reducing complications and mortality.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that quantitative emphysema features on LDCT can help identify COPD, with broader adoption of imaging-based risk markers still pending.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Meilan K — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Han, Meilan K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Using lung cancer CT scans to find and help people with COPD
This project uses low-dose CT images from lung cancer screening to spot signs of COPD in older current or former smokers so more people with undiagnosed COPD get follow-up breathing tests.
-
Using lung cancer screening data to improve COPD diagnosis
This study is looking at how we can use lung cancer screening scans to better spot Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in people who might have it but haven't been diagnosed yet, helping to catch it earlier and improve care for those at risk.
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Digital health strategies to expand lung cancer screening in safety-net clinics
A funded project aims to help low-resource clinics increase the use of lung cancer screening for patients who smoke or are at risk.
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Integrated approach to lung screening and quitting for African Americans
A multi-level program aims to boost LDCT lung cancer screening uptake and help African American smokers quit, with support from a comprehensive community-focused plan.
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Population health approach to boost lung cancer screening at community clinics
A large Utah project aims to help community clinics reach more eligible adults to get low-dose CT lung cancer screening.
-
Group-based tobacco treatment for older adults after lung cancer screening
A study tests a group-based tobacco cessation program for older adults who are getting lung cancer screening to help them quit smoking.
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.