Breathing new life into asthma imaging: can noble gas MRI reveal hidden lung damage?

NCT ID NCT02351141

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Dr. Grace Parraga Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 31, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026

Summary

This study is testing whether a special type of MRI, using inhaled noble gases like helium or xenon, can provide detailed images of lung structure and function in people with asthma. Researchers will scan 200 adults with asthma to measure how well air moves through the airways and into air sacs. The goal is to see if this imaging technique can offer a more complete picture of asthma's effects on the lungs than standard tests.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Hyperpolarized noble gas MRI (Helium-3 and/or Xenon-129)
What this could lead to: If successful, this imaging method could offer a new way to see how asthma affects the lungs, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
What could go wrong: This is an observational imaging study, not a treatment trial, so it won't directly change patient care. The technique may not prove superior to existing methods like CT.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ASTHMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

asthma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ASTHMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Robarts Research Institute; The University of Western Ontario; London Health Sciences Centre
RECRUITING

London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada

More trials for these conditions

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