Lung MRI in COPD Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Functional and Structural Lung Imaging in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
IRAS ID
301426
Contact name
Charlotte Bolton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease affecting approximately 1.2 million people in the UK. it is caused by the inhalation of harmful particles and gases, which lead to chronic inflammation of lung tissue and results in progressive loss of lung function. Tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD but exposure to other pollutants has also been identified as a significant rick factor.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) is a rare genetic disorder where low or absent levels of the A1AT protein predispose to development of COPD. COPD in patients with A1ATD typically occurs at a younger age and with a severity disproportionate to smoking history. Management of A1ATD shares similarities with those for COPD, as described above.
Management of COPD mainly focuses on reduction of risk factors and treatment of stable disease/exacerbations. Common elements include smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, inhaler therapy and management of comorbidities. In selected patients with severe disease, palliative lung volume reduction (LVR) interventions may be carried out, with the aim of reducing hyperinflation of the lungs to improve lung function, exercise tolerance and quality of life. Patient selection is critical for LVR, hence comprehensive investigation (including imaging studies and lung function tests) by a multidisciplinary team is undertaken before considering treatment.
In adults with COPD and adults with A1ATD COPD, we believe innovative MRI scans may help better assess lung structure and function and provide valuable measures of lung health. We propose a 3-year study to use these MRI techniques that will explore how lung MRI scans compare to conventional measures of lung disease. We will also explore whether these MRI scans can be used to evaluate patients before and after LVR and whether we can use this type of imaging in future clinical trials.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
21/WA/0266
Date of REC Opinion
20 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion