Scientists probe why only some smokers develop lung disease
NCT ID NCT04722835
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at why some smokers develop COPD while others don't. Researchers will collect lung cells from 40 former smokers using a bronchoscopy and analyze them to find differences in immune cells called macrophages. The goal is to understand the biological reasons behind COPD susceptibility, which could lead to better prevention and treatment in the future.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this research could uncover biological markers that predict which smokers are at risk for COPD, paving the way for future prevention strategies.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage discovery study with only 40 participants, so findings may not apply broadly. It aims to gather data, not test a treatment.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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San Francisco VA Medical Center
RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94121, United States
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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University of California, San Francisco
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94122, United States
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Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94110, United States