Assessing lung inflammation using PET imaging

PET Imaging CCR2 in Lung Inflammation

EARLY_PHASE1 · Washington University School of Medicine · NCT03492762

This study is testing a new imaging tool to see if it can help track inflammation in the lungs of people with fibrotic lung diseases.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine (other)
Locations1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT03492762 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot clinical trial aims to evaluate the distribution of a PET imaging radiotracer, Cu-DOTA-ECL1i, in patients with fibrotic lung diseases. The study will involve 60 patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and 5 healthy volunteers as controls, all undergoing dynamic PET/CT scans to characterize the uptake of the radiotracer in the lungs. Additionally, sub-studies will assess the reproducibility of the scans and the correlation between imaging results and inflammatory cell distribution in lung tissue. The overall goal is to determine the potential of this radiotracer to track inflammatory cells in lung diseases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 21 and older with a history of smoking and diagnosed with fibrotic lung diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities affecting lung function or those currently enrolled in other conflicting studies may not benefit from this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new imaging tool to better understand and monitor lung inflammation in patients with fibrotic lung diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using PET imaging for tracking inflammation have shown promise, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men or women 21 years of age or older who have never smoked or current smokers who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day (1/2 pack) and have smoked at least 100 cigarettes (5 packs) over the past month.
* Screening FEV1 and FVC \> 80% of predicted
* Capable of lying still and supine within the PET/CT and PET/MR scanner for \~1 hour and follow instructions for breathing protocol during the CT portion
* No illicit drug use or other inhaled drug use (including pharmacologic agents, recreational agents, or illicit drugs) within the past year
* No known history of cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic or renal disease or diabetes
* No history of claustrophobia or other preventing condition that has previously or would interfere with completion of protocol specified imaging sessions
* Able to comprehend and willing to follow instructions for the study procedures as called for by the protocol
* BMI ≤ 35

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently enrolled in another study using an investigational drug
* Pregnancy (confirmed by urine pregnancy test)
* Active symptoms or history of cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic or renal disease or diabetes
* Currently taking any prescription medications
* Presence of an implanted device that is incompatible with CT or MRI scanning
* Creatinine \> 1.30 mg/dL, AST \> 50 Units/L, ALT \> 55 Units/L, or total bilirubin \> 1.2 mg/dL

Where this trial is running

St Louis, Missouri

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Lung Inflammation

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.