Breathing new life into lung monitoring: MRI with inhaled gas tracks cystic fibrosis
NCT ID NCT06057714
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a new MRI method that uses an inhaled gas to create detailed images of lung ventilation in people with cystic fibrosis. Researchers will track 30 adults with mild lung disease over a year, comparing the MRI results to standard breathing tests. The goal is to see if this technique can better detect changes in lung function, especially during flare-ups.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Perfluoropropane (PFP) gas
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a new, more detailed way to monitor lung health in cystic fibrosis, helping doctors detect problems earlier.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage imaging study with no direct treatment benefit. The new MRI method may not prove more useful than existing tests.
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.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2021
- Expected to finish
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Aug 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.
Who is studied
Adults with cystic fibrosis and stable lung disease at the time of enrollment
- Ages
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18 to 99 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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. Subjects must be ≥18 years of age 2. Non-smokers (\<10 pack/year history and no active smoking in the past year) 3. Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis via standard sweat chloride/phenotypic features/genotyping 4. No use of supplemental oxygen 5. Stable lung function (within 10% of personal best in the last 6 months) with no pulmonary exacerbations in the past 4 weeks and baseline FEV1≥60% of predicted 6. Evidence of a personally signed and dated consent indicating that the subject has been informed of all pertinent aspects of the trial 7. Subjects must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits and other trial procedures Exclusion Criteria: Subjects presenting with any of the following will not be included in the trial: 1. Active or past smokers or vapers with less than 1 year since quitting or \>10 pack-year smoking history 2. Unable to undergo a 3.0-Tesla MRI exam of the lungs and chest because of contraindications including 1. Occupation (past or present) of machinist, welder, or grinder; 2. Injury to the eye involving a metallic object 3. Injury to the body by a metallic object (bullet, bullet ball, shrapnel) 4. Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator 5. Presence of aneurysm clips 6. Presence of carotid artery vascular clamp 7. Presence of neurostimulator 8. Presence of insulin or infusion pump 9. Presence of implanted drug infusion device that is not known to be MRI compatible (i.e., was placed outside of UNC or is older than 10 years) 10. Bone growth or fusion simulator 11. Presence of cochlear, otologic or ear implant 12. Any type of prosthesis (eye, penile, etc.) 13. Artificial limb or joint 14. Non-removable electrodes (on body, head or brain) 15. Intravascular stents, filters or coils 16. Shunt (spinal or intraventricular) 17. Swan-Ganz catheter 18. Any implant held in place by a magnet 19. Transdermal delivery system (e.g. Nitro) 20. An intrauterine device or diaphragm that is not MRI compatible 21. Tattooed makeup (eyeliner, lips, etc.) or tattoos covering \>25% of body surface area 22. Body piercings (must be removed before MRI) 23. Any metal fragments 24. Internal pacing wires 25. Metal or wire mesh implants 26. Hearing aid (remove before MRI) aa. Dentures (remove before MRI) bb. Claustrophobia 3. Unable to tolerate inhalation of gas mixture 4. Presence of facial hair that may interfere with the fit of the mask (and unwillingness to shave prior to each MRI) 5. Any changes in medications that may affect CF lung disease in the past 28 days, including any experimental therapies 6. Other severe acute or chronic medical or psychiatric condition or laboratory abnormality that may increase the risk associated with trial participation or may interfere with the interpretation of trial results and, in the judgment of the investigator, would make the subject inappropriate for entry into this trial. 7. Pregnancy; women of childbearing potential must have a confirmed negative urine pregnancy test on the day of the MR scan, prior to the MRI scan.
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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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Univeristy of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
RECRUITINGChapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Cystic fibrosis diabetes: do gut hormones and genes hold the key?
- Can a special lung scan catch cystic fibrosis damage earlier than standard tests?
- Can a pill replace the liquid? testing a new form of cystic fibrosis drug
- Triple therapy under the microscope: does it transform cystic fibrosis care?