PAXT: Pulmonary Imaging of Mild Asthma Using 129Xe MRI and Tc-99-Labeled-Carbon-Imaging (Tc99CImaging)
This study, called PAXT, wants to understand mild asthma better in young adults aged 17 to 35. Researchers are using two advanced types of lung scans: one called hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI and another called Technegas imaging. They want to see if these special scans can spot small changes in how air moves through the lungs that aren't picked up by standard breathing tests. They will also compare the scan results with people's asthma symptoms and how their asthma affects their daily life. The aim is to learn more about the early signs of asthma difficulties, which could lead to better ways to diagnose mild asthma and develop more personal treatment plans in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called PAXT, is for young adults between 17 and 35 years old who have mild asthma. Mild asthma means your doctor has given you an inhaler to use when you need it, rather than regularly. The main goal of this research is to get a clearer picture of how mild asthma affects the lungs, especially in ways that standard breathing tests might not show.
Researchers are using two advanced scanning techniques. One is a special type of MRI scan using something called hyperpolarized xenon-129, which helps them see how air moves inside your lungs. The other is called Technegas imaging, and it uses a very small amount of a radioactive substance (Tc-99m) to show airflow. By comparing these detailed images with your asthma symptoms and how you feel day-to-day, the team hopes to find out if these scans can reveal subtle changes in lung function.
The information gathered from this study is very important. It could help doctors understand mild asthma much better, potentially leading to new ways to diagnose it more accurately. Ultimately, this research aims to pave the way for more personalised and effective treatments for people with mild asthma in the future.
Key takeaways
- A study for young adults (17-35) with mild asthma.
- Uses special lung scans to understand how asthma affects lungs.
- Aims to find changes not seen with standard breathing tests.
- Involves one 2-hour visit with scans, breathing tests, and questionnaires.
- Could lead to better asthma diagnosis and treatments in the future.
- Your current asthma treatment will not change during the study.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be a young adult between 17 and 35 years old and have been told by a doctor that you have mild asthma. You also need to understand what the study involves and be happy to take part.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain metal implants in your body (like a pacemaker) that would make an MRI scan unsafe, or if you have severe claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) which would make the scans difficult. You also can't be pregnant or breastfeeding, and you need to be able to do breathing tests where you blow into a machine. If you're a woman who could become pregnant, you'll need to be using reliable contraception for at least two months before the imaging visits.
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 between 17 and 35 years old?
- Has a doctor diagnosed you with mild asthma?
- Do you feel comfortable with enclosed spaces (for MRI)?
- Do you have any metal implants that can't be removed?
- Are you able to follow instructions for breathing tests?
- If you're a woman who could become pregnant, are you using effective contraception?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll have one study visit that will last about 2 hours. During this visit, you'll have two special lung scans: one is an MRI scan using xenon gas to see how air moves in your lungs, and the other uses Technegas to check your airflow. You’ll also do standard breathing tests (like blowing into a machine) and answer some questions about your asthma symptoms and how your asthma affects your life through questionnaires. A blood sample and a sputum sample (mucus from your cough) will also be collected. The study is observational, meaning you won't be given any new medications or treatments as part of the research itself.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Robarts Research Institute; The University of Western OntarioVerified postcodeLondon, Canada
Common questions
What is mild asthma?
Mild asthma means you mainly use an inhaler to relieve symptoms when you need it, rather than taking daily medication to control your asthma.
What are these special lung scans?
They are advanced imaging techniques that help researchers see how air moves in your lungs in much greater detail than regular breathing tests. One uses a special gas with an MRI, and the other uses a very small amount of a radioactive substance.
Will this study change my asthma treatment?
No, this is an observational study, which means it's for research and understanding. It will not involve any changes to your current asthma treatment.
Is there any radiation involved?
Yes, one of the scans (Technegas) and an ultra-low dose CT scan involve a very small amount of radiation, similar to what you might receive from natural sources over a few months.
How long will the study visit take?
The entire study visit, including all tests and scans, is expected to take about 2 hours.
How to find out more
Grace E Parraga, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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