HOXB7 and related lung and blood biomarkers in pulmonary fibrosis
HOXB7 and Linked Tissue and Blood Biomarkers in the Lungs of Patients With Pulmonary Fibrosis
This pilot study will test whether levels of HOXB7 and other molecules in lung tissue and blood exosomes can serve as biomarkers in adults with pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Modena) |
| Trial ID | NCT07373288 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot, multicenter observational study collects fresh lung tissue (from surgical biopsy, transbronchial cryobiopsy, or explant) and blood-derived exosomes from adults with suspected pulmonary fibrosis and from control patients undergoing lung resection for non-fibrotic conditions. Samples will undergo RNA sequencing and mass-spectrometry proteomic analysis to measure HOXB7 expression and linked molecular pathways. The project will compare molecular signatures across biopsy techniques and between fibrotic and non-fibrotic lungs. The aim is to identify tissue and circulating biomarkers associated with fibrosis progression and to inform less invasive monitoring strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 with clinical suspicion of pulmonary fibrosis who can provide fresh lung tissue from biopsy or explant and who can give informed consent.
Not a fit: People outside the 18–80 age range, those unable or unwilling to provide fresh lung tissue or blood samples, or those who refuse consent are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could identify tissue or blood biomarkers to help detect or monitor pulmonary fibrosis and potentially reduce reliance on invasive testing.
How similar studies have performed: RNA-sequencing and proteomic biomarker studies have been performed in pulmonary fibrosis before, but applying HOXB7 specifically and directly comparing cryobiopsy to surgical biopsy is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 80 with clinical suspicion of pulmonary fibrosis * Availability of fresh lung tissue from biopsy or lung explant * Signed informed consent for research use of biological material and data Exclusion Criteria: \- Refusal to sign informed consent
Where this trial is running
Modena
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico di Modena — Modena, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Roberto Tonelli
- Email: rtonelli@unimore.it
- Phone: +390594225934
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.