RecruitingPHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Xenon-129 and Inert Fluorinated Gas Lung MRI: Study of Healthy Volunteers and Participants With Pulmonary Disease

Researchers are using a new type of MRI scan that involves breathing in small amounts of safe gases (Xenon-129 and Perfluoropropane) to get detailed pictures of the lungs. The main goals are to check the quality and consistency of these new MRI images and to understand how lungs might be different in people with cystic fibrosis and asthma compared to healthy individuals. This new scanning method doesn't use radiation and could offer a clearer look at how lungs work and are structured, which is especially good for children. It aims to improve how doctors understand and monitor lung conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

PHASE2

Sponsor

The Hospital for Sick Children

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2015

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Cystic Fibrosis Asthma

What is this study about?

Imagine being able to see how air moves through your lungs, not just a static picture, but how they actually work. This study is exploring a new way of doing just that, using a special type of MRI scan. Instead of typical MRI scans that look at water in your body, these scans use tiny amounts of safe, breathable gases called Xenon-129 and Perfluoropropane.

When you breathe in these gases, they allow the MRI scanner to create very detailed pictures of the air spaces in your lungs. This can show how well air is getting into different parts of your lungs and give clues about their structure. This is different from x-rays or CT scans because it doesn't use any radiation, which makes it particularly suitable for children and for people who might need scans more often.

The main idea behind this research is to see how clear and reliable these new gas MRI images are. Researchers will compare the scans from people with cystic fibrosis and asthma to those of healthy volunteers. By doing this, they hope to learn more about how these conditions affect the lungs at a very detailed level, which could lead to better ways to diagnose and monitor lung diseases in the future.

Key takeaways

New MRI scans use safe gases to look at lung health in detail.
The study helps us understand cystic fibrosis and asthma better.
No radiation is used, making it suitable for many, including children.
Participants include healthy people and those with lung conditions.
The goal is improved ways to diagnose and monitor lung diseases.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 8 years old. You should also be a non-smoker. If you have cystic fibrosis or asthma, your symptoms should be stable, meaning they aren't worse than usual.

Your breathing capacity, measured by a test called FEV1, needs to be strong enough (above 40%). You also need to be able to follow instructions to hold your breath for up to 20 seconds for the scan. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals cannot participate, and you shouldn't have certain heart conditions or have had a recent cold or chest infection (unless you’re in a specific subgroup being treated for a flare-up of your lung condition).

Finally, you must be able to lie still in an MRI scanner and not have severe claustrophobia or any metal in your body that would make an MRI unsafe.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you at least 8 years old?
Do you not smoke?
If you have cystic fibrosis or asthma, are your symptoms currently stable?
Can you hold your breath for up to 20 seconds?
Are you able to lie still in an MRI scanner and don't have severe claustrophobia or unsafe metal implants?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll have several visits for assessments. This will include breathing tests to check your lung function and the special MRI scans using the Xenon-129 and Perfluoropropane gases. There are no medications involved as part of the study; it’s focused on scanning. The total duration of your involvement will depend on the specific needs of the study, but all procedures will be clearly explained before you agree to participate.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help researchers learn more about lung diseases, potentially leading to better care for others in the future. The MRI scans use safe, non-radioactive gases and do not involve radiation. However, being in an MRI machine can be noisy and some people find it confining. Your comfort and safety are a priority, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular medical care.

Locations (1)

The Hospital for Sick Children
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MRI and is it safe?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures inside your body. It is generally very safe and doesn't use X-rays or radiation.

Will I feel anything when I breathe in the gases?

The gases used (Xenon-129 and Perfluoropropane) are safe and you typically won't feel anything unusual when you breathe them in during the scan.

How long will the study appointments take?

Each appointment, including breathing tests and the MRI scan, will vary, but you will be given a clear estimate of the time needed beforehand.

Can children participate in this study?

Yes, individuals aged 8 years and older can participate, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.

What if I get claustrophobic in the MRI scanner?

If you have severe claustrophobia, meaning you get very anxious in enclosed spaces, this study might not be suitable for you, as the MRI scanner is a confined space.

How to find out more

Giles Santyr, PhD

giles.santyr@sickkids.ca 416-813-7654 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.