Hyperpolarized xenon‑129 MRI for imaging lung function in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Hyperpolarized Xenon-129 MRI in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Early Phase 1 Interventional University of Virginia · NCT06853145

This will test whether inhaling hyperpolarized xenon‑129 during MRI can safely show lung ventilation and perfusion changes over time in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment6 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Virginia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT06853145 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This early-phase interventional protocol uses inhaled hyperpolarized xenon‑129 gas with MRI to produce high-resolution maps of lung ventilation and perfusion in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Eligible adults with a clinical diagnosis of IPF who meet MRI safety and oxygenation criteria will undergo the xenon‑129 MRI procedure, which can be repeated over time to track changes. The primary aim is to demonstrate feasibility and reproducibility of longitudinal imaging in this population without requiring continuous home oxygen. Results would inform whether xenon‑129 MRI can be used as a quantitative imaging endpoint in future mechanistic or therapeutic trials.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who can tolerate MRI, are not on continuous home oxygen, and meet oxygen saturation and safety criteria are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who require continuous home oxygen, have oxygen saturation below 92% on the scan day, or have MRI‑incompatible implants or other contraindications are unlikely to be eligible or benefit from this imaging procedure.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technique could offer a noninvasive imaging biomarker that detects regional lung function changes earlier than conventional tests and help guide treatments for people with IPF.

How similar studies have performed: Hyperpolarized xenon‑129 MRI has shown promise in mapping ventilation and perfusion deficits in COPD and preliminary fibrosis work exists, but longitudinal use as an endpoint in IPF remains novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to provide informed consent 18 years of age or greater Clinical diagnosis of IPF

Exclusion Criteria:

* Continuous oxygen use at home
* Oxygen saturation less than 92% on the day of MRI procedure
* Pregnancy or lactation
* Claustrophobia, inner ear implants, aneurysm or other surgical clips, metal foreign bodies in eye, pacemaker or other contraindication to MR scanning. Subjects with any implanted device that cannot be verified as MRI compliant will be excluded.
* History of congenital cardiac disease, chronic renal failure, or cirrhosis. • Chest circumference greater than that of the xenon MR and/or helium coil. The circumference of the coil is approximately 42 inches.
* Inability to understand simple instructions or to hold still for approximately 10-15 seconds.
* History of respiratory infection within 2 weeks prior to the MR scan
* History of MI, stroke and/or poorly controlled hypertension.

Where this trial is running

Charlottesville, Virginia

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 Idiopathic Pulmonary FibrosisHyperpolarized Xenon-129 gas with MRI
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.