Imaging to see how mild asthma affects lungs in young adults
Official title: PAXT: Pulmonary Imaging of Mild Asthma Using 129Xe MRI and Tc-99-Labeled-Carbon-Imaging (Tc99CImaging)
Run by Western University, Canada · NCT07143747 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests advanced lung imaging to see if it finds airway problems in young adults with mild asthma beyond standard tests.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 17 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Western University, Canada Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 2, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07143747 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Young adults aged 17–35 with mild asthma diagnosed by a clinician and who use a short-acting bronchodilator as needed.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with asthma outside the mild category or those unable to undergo imaging procedures may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study uses hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI and Tc-99m Technegas ventilation imaging to assess lung function in young adults with mild asthma. Participants undergo a single 2-hour visit that includes pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry, plethysmography, oscillometry, 129Xe MRI, pre-BD ultra-low-dose chest CT, Tc-99m imaging, blood tests, sputum induction, and questionnaires on symptoms and quality of life. The goal is to determine whether ventilation abnormalities correlate with symptoms and quality of life and whether these advanced imaging techniques reveal airway changes not captured by standard lung function tests. The study is conducted at a single center with participants aged 17 to 35 who have mild asthma and a prescription for rescue bronchodilator.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the imaging approach could help better characterize lung involvement in mild asthma and guide future diagnostic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous imaging studies in asthma have shown that advanced ventilation imaging can reveal abnormalities not seen on standard tests, but this exact combination is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participants eligible for inclusion in this study must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Participant diagnosed with mild (GINA1) asthma by physician 2. Participant understands study procedures and is willing to participate in the study as indicated by the participant's signature 3. Provision of written, informed consent prior to any study specific procedures 4. Males and females 17 to 35 years of age 5. Women of childbearing potential (after menarche) must ensure that they are using an effective form of birth control for at least 2 months prior to each imaging visit. Examples of effective birth control include: 1. True sexual abstinence 2. A vasectomized sexual partner 3. Implanon® 4. Female sterilization by tubal occlusion 5. Effective intrauterine device (IUD)/levonogestrel intrauterine system (IUS) 6. Depo-Provera™ injections 7. Oral contraceptive 8. Evra Patch™ 9. Nuvaring™ Exclusion Criteria: Participants fulfilling any of the following criteria are not eligible for inclusion in this study: 1. Participant has an implanted mechanically, electrically, or magnetically activated device or any metal in their body which cannot be removed, including but not limited to pacemakers, neurostimulators, biostimulators, implanted insulin pumps, aneurysm clips, bioprosthesis, artificial limb, metallic fragment or foreign body, shunt, surgical staples (including clips or metallic sutures and/or ear implants) (at the discretion of the MRI Technologist) 2. In the investigator's opinion, subject suffers from any physical, psychological or other condition(s) that might prevent performance of the MRI, CT, or Tc99CImaging, such as severe claustrophobia 3. Participants who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a positive pregnancy test at initial screening visit 4. Participant is unable to perform spirometry or plethysmography maneuvers 5. Participant is unable to perform MRI and CT breath-hold maneuvers
Where it's running
-
Robarts Research Institute; The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Grace E Parraga, PhD — Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario
- Study coordinator: Grace E Parraga, PhD
- Email: gparraga@robarts.ca
- Phone: 519-931-5777
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.