Photon-counting CT for lung imaging in people with COPD

Photon-counting CT Post-processing Protocols for Robust Quantifications in Chest CT Scans

NA · Duke University · NCT07031336

This project will test whether photon-counting CT scans can produce more accurate and reproducible measurements of emphysema and airway changes in people with COPD.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorDuke University (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT07031336 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The project will recruit participants from the Duke COPDGene Phase 4 cohort who consent to undergo an additional photon-counting CT (PCCT) scan at Duke University Hospital. Scans will be acquired with a PCCT-specific protocol and also compared to conventional energy-integrating CT where available. Investigators will reconstruct the PCCT images using multiple post-acquisition parameter settings and apply recently developed harmonization techniques. Quantitative metrics such as Perc15, LAA-950, HU accuracy, Pi10, and airway wall percentage will be compared across reconstructions to identify reproducible acquisition and processing protocols.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are participants in the Duke COPDGene Phase 4 cohort who can consent to an extra CT scan and are able to travel to Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC.

Not a fit: People who are not enrolled in the COPDGene Phase 4 cohort, who cannot undergo CT imaging, or who decline consent are unlikely to benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable more precise and repeatable lung measurements that improve monitoring and characterization of emphysema and airway disease for people with COPD.

How similar studies have performed: Early technical studies suggest PCCT can improve spatial resolution and material discrimination, but applying harmonized protocols for emphysema and airway metrics is relatively new and not yet widely validated.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* This study recruit from the Duke-COPDGene Phase 4 study. All participants from this cohort is eligible and they will be included if they consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* This study recruit from the Duke-COPDGene Phase 4 study. All participants from this cohort is eligible and they will be included if they consent.

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

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: COPD

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.