Using cough samples to analyze lung health

Genetics of Lung Disease (Exhaled Breath DNA Methylation in Lung Carcinogenesis)

Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NCT05854563

This study is testing whether cough samples can help us find signs of lung diseases by comparing them to samples taken from healthy people and smokers.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAlbert Einstein College of Medicine (other)
Locations1 site (The Bronx, New York)
Trial IDNCT05854563 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore cough as a non-invasive method for capturing large molecules like DNA and proteins from the lungs. The researchers will collect cough specimens from healthy volunteers and current smokers, comparing them to samples obtained through bronchoscopy and mouthrinse. The study will focus on analyzing these cough samples for somatic mutations and lung-specific proteins, with the goal of developing a platform for early detection and risk assessment of lung diseases. The methodology includes advanced sequencing techniques and proteomic analysis to validate the efficacy of cough as a diagnostic tool.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 21 and older who are undergoing bronchoscopy for diagnostic purposes.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that prevent comfortable cough collection or those with contraindications to bronchoscopy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of lung diseases, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of cough samples for lung diagnostics is relatively novel, similar studies exploring non-invasive methods for lung disease detection have shown promise.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: minimum age of 21 years
* Gender: Male and Female adults
* Ethnicity: All ethnic groups and races
* Subjects undergoing bronchoscopy for diagnostic purposes or therapy
* Subjects without a known diagnosis of lung cancer who are not scheduled for lung tissue collection procedures
* Subjects with a known or suspected diagnosis of asthma or COPD and are scheduled for a visit at Montefiore Asthma or COPD Center and individual practices, and/or in-hospital with exacerbation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Bleeding diathesis or known coagulopathy precluding clinically indicated biopsy (e.g., INR\>1.3, PTTr\>1.3), thrombocytopenia \<50,000, uremia with serum creatinine \>3.0
* Unstable angina
* Recent myocardial infarction (within 3 months),
* Uncontrolled congestive heart failure or severe pulmonary hypertension (mean PAP\>75 mmHg)

Where this trial is running

The Bronx, New York

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: Lung Diseases, Lung Cancer, Lung Diseases, Obstructive, Lung Diseases, Interstitial, Lung Inflammation

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.