Cell therapy combined with an endobronchial valve for severe emphysema

Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy Associated With Unidirectional Endobronchial Valve in Patients With Severe Pulmonary Emphysema: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre · NCT04018729

This study is testing whether combining stem cell therapy with a special valve can help people with severe emphysema breathe better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsprednisone
Locations1 site (Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul)
Trial IDNCT04018729 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of mesenchymal stem cells in conjunction with the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve to treat patients with severe heterogeneous pulmonary emphysema. The study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of this combined approach in improving lung function and quality of life for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Participants will undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure they meet specific eligibility criteria, including lung capacity and function measurements. The trial is designed to provide insights into the potential benefits of regenerative medicine in managing severe emphysema.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults diagnosed with severe heterogeneous pulmonary emphysema who meet specific lung function criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with mild emphysema or those who do not meet the strict eligibility criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve lung function and quality of life for patients with severe emphysema.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using stem cell therapies for lung conditions, but this specific combination approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of severe heterogeneous pulmonary emphysema (at least 10% of total lung parenchyma or 25% of target lobe with density \< -950HU);
* Heterogeneity\> 15pp (difference of at least 15 percentage points of lung parenchyma with density greater than -950HU between the treated lobe(s) and the remaining lung on the same side)
* Estimates of low or non-existent collateral ventilation (fissure integrity\> 95% measured by VIDA Diagnostics or collateral ventilation measured by negative Chartis® System)
* Total lung capacity\> 100% of predicted
* Residual volume\> 175% of predicted
* FEV1 \<50% of predicted post-bronchodilator
* DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide) \<45% of predicted post-bronchodilator
* Body Mass Index (BMI) Greater than 18Kg/m2 and less than 35Kg/m2.
* Optimized clinical treatment
* Daily physical activities limitation
* Possibility of pulmonary rehabilitation
* Preserved ventricular function (LVEF\> 40%)
* Cessation of smoking ≥ 4 months
* Dyspnea MMRC ≥ 2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Homogeneous emphysema
* Estimated collateral ventilation observed on CT scanned by VIDA vision software (VIDA vision®, VIDA Diagnostics, Iowa-USA) - Fissure integrity on target lobe less than 75%.
* Use of continuous systemic corticosteroid therapy\> 20mg QD (quaque die, once a day) of prednisone (or equivalent)
* Active lung or extra pulmonary infection
* Coronary heart disease and/or severe ventricular dysfunction
* Significant renal or hepatic disease
* Immunosuppressive disease
* Rheumatologic or orthopedic disease limiting physical capacity;
* Cognitive inability to understand study procedures;
* Impression by clinical research investigators with a lifespan of less than a year1;
* Active smoking
* Malignant neoplasia with estimated prognosis of survival \<2 years
* Psychosocial problems
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

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.
Conditions Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Severe
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.