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.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2018
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 45 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participants will be 18-45 years of age 2. Subject must meet one of the following criteria: NIC vapers: current e-cigarette use of nicotine at least 5 days per week for the past year, no current combustible cigarette use, cannabis vaping, or cannabis smoking during the 30 days prior to study enrollment CAN vapers: current e-cigarette use of cannabis at least 5 days per week for the past year, no current combustible cigarette use, cannabis smoking, or nicotine vaping during the 30 days prior to study enrollment Cigarette smokers: current cigarette smoking of at least 5 cigarettes per day, 4 days per week for the past year with no e-cigarette use (cannabis or nicotine) during the 30 days prior to study enrollment Dual combustible and e-cigarette users: current e-cigarette use of cannabis and/or nicotine at least 5 days per week for the past year with cigarette or cannabis smoking during the 30 day prior to study enrollment Non-Smokers: reported non-smoking history or \< 100 lifetime cigarettes, \< 100 e-cigarette use episodes, and \< 100 lifetime cannabis use episodes 3. Participants must be informed of the investigational nature of this study and be willing to provide written informed consent and participate in this study in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines prior to study-specific procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Females who are pregnant or breast feeding at the time of screening will not be eligible for this study; a urine pregnancy test will be performed in women of child-bearing potential at screening and on scan day. 2. Current untreated and unstable diagnosis of substance use disorder, except nicotine use disorder or cannabis use disorder 3. Positive urine drug screen for opiates, methamphetamine or cocaine at screening 4. Current unstable and/or untreated major depression or psychotic disorder per medical record review or self-reported 5. Use of inhaled or oral corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory medications per medical record review or self-report 6. History of lung trauma 7. Active (or within the previous 4 weeks of screening) lung infection or lung disease that impact uptake of \[18F\]NOS (e.g. tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis) 8. Inability to tolerate imaging procedures in the opinion of an investigator or treating physician 9. Any current or past medical condition, illness, or disorder as assessed by medical record review and/or self-reported that is considered by a physician investigator to be a condition that could compromise participant safety or successful participation in the study
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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