New study peers inside lungs of vapers to see hidden damage

NCT ID NCT03721822

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study uses a radioactive tracer called [18F]NOS to measure lung inflammation in 100 people who vape nicotine, vape cannabis, smoke cigarettes, or don't smoke at all. Participants get one PET/CT scan to compare inflammation levels between groups. The goal is to better understand how different smoking and vaping habits affect the lungs.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
[18F]NOS (a radioactive tracer injected for imaging)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help researchers understand how e-cigarettes affect lung health compared to traditional smoking.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase imaging study, not a treatment trial. It may not directly lead to new therapies or change clinical practice.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cigarette Smoking

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Pennsylvania

    RECRUITING

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.