HP 129Xe-MRI in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Sarcoidosis (XIPS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding changes in lung physiology and alveolar-capillary integrity in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Sarcoidosis, using hyperpolarised Xenon Magnetic Resonance Imaging (XIPS).
IRAS ID
303503
Contact name
Fergus Gleeson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
N/A
Eudract number
2017-001066-16
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study explores the use of xenon gas in MRI scanning as a means of measuring more accurately small changes in a lung condition, in which the lungs become increasingly scarred. Pulmonary means ‘of the lungs’. Idiopathic refers to the fact that the cause of the scarring (fibrosis) is not clear. Over time, as scarring increases so does breathlessness. IPF has an increasing impact on the quality of life as exercise and normal activities become more difficult. The speed at which quality of life is affected varies between patients. For those whose IPF progresses gradually, two drug treatments are available: Pirfenidone and Nintendanib. But for those whose condition progresses more rapidly, no drug treatment is available.
Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory condition. In some cases lung involvement treatment involves steroids to dampen the inflammatory responses to prevent scarring.
Some of the difficulties in developing new drug treatments are caused by problems of accurately measuring the effect of treatment on the lungs of people taking drugs. Scans show us the structure of the lung but do not give detailed information on how well different parts of the lungs are functioning. We know that if Xenon gas is used before scans, pictures are clearer and even small changes in lung physiology and structure can be measured. Furthermore, we wish to explore if the changes detected using Xenon correlate with immune markers measured in blood.
Xenon gas is not associated with radiation. If you have IPF or sarcoidosis and take part in this study, you would be asked to inhale Xenon gas before MRI scanning. Oxford has performed over 200+ inhalations and MRI scans in its trials without any harm to patients. This method has the potential to provide valuable information about important changes in the lungs both during the disease and after treatment.REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/WM/0244
Date of REC Opinion
8 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion