Imaging lung function in patients who received stem cell transplants

Hyperpolarized 129-Xenon Imaging in Adult Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients With Pulmonary Impairment

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT05041140

This study is testing a special type of MRI to see how well the lungs are working in adults who have had a stem cell transplant and are having breathing problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center (other)
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05041140 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the use of hyperpolarized 129-Xenon magnetic resonance imaging (129-XeMRI) to assess lung function in adult patients who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and are experiencing pulmonary impairment. The study will correlate 129-Xenon imaging results with traditional lung function tests and CT scans to better understand the condition of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and its progression. Additionally, it will include a healthy control group for technical calibration of the imaging technology.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients who have received an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant and are experiencing bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome or related pulmonary impairments.

Not a fit: Patients with active pulmonary infections, severe claustrophobia, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method to better diagnose and monitor lung complications in stem cell transplant recipients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of hyperpolarized gas imaging is a novel approach, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in assessing lung function in other populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Allo-HCT recipients who are at least 18 years of age and have BOS (n=10 patients), BOS 0p (n = 10 patients), or cGVHD of a non-lung organ without evidence of pulmonary impairment (n = 5 patients).

Healthy Cohort - Inclusion Criteria:

We will perform only XeMRI imaging on 10 healthy adult (18 years and older) volunteers with no medical issues for technical calibration of the XeMRI technology. Members of the study team may serve as healthy volunteers if they have no prior history of lung disease. These data will not be included as part of the analysis.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participants unable to follow up at MD Anderson for routine clinical care
2. Inability or unwillingness to give informed consent
3. Relapsed disease or life expectancy less than 6 months at time of enrollment
4. Severe claustrophobia precluding MRI imaging
5. Active pulmonary infection
6. Pregnant women

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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: Pulmonary, Pneumonia, Hematopoietic System--Cancer

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.