Recruiting

Asthma Imaging

Sponsor:

Dr. Grace Parraga

Code:

NCT07143747

Conditions

Mild Asthma

Eligibility Criteria

Sex: All

Age: 17 - 35

Healthy Volunteers: Not accepted

Interventions

Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI

Tc-99m Technegas Ventilation Imaging

Study Details

Brief summary:

The goal of this observational study is to better understand how asthma affects the lungs in young adults (ages 17-35) with mild asthma. The main questions it aims to answer are:

  • Can advanced imaging detect abnormal airway function in people with mild asthma?
  • Do changes in ventilation imaging correlate with asthma symptoms or quality of life? Researchers will compare hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI and Technegas (Tc-99m) imaging to see if these techniques reveal more detailed lung abnormalities than standard lung function tests.

Participants will:

  • Complete a single 2-hour visit
  • Undergo two types of lung imaging: Hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI (to visualize how air moves in the lungs), Technegas (Tc-99m) imaging (to assess airflow using nuclear medicine)
  • Perform spirometry and other breathing tests
  • Answer questionnaires about asthma symptoms and quality of life This study is designed to improve our understanding of subtle changes in lung function that may not be detected by standard tests in people with mild asthma. The findings may lead to better diagnostic tools and more personalized treatment strategies in the future.

Conditions

Mild Asthma

Study ID

NCT07143747

Start date

Mar 2, 2026

Status verified date

Jul, 2026

Completion date

Dec, 2028

Anticipated

Primary completion date

Aug, 2028

Anticipated

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Sex: All

Age: 17 - 35

Healthy Volunteers: Not accepted

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants eligible for inclusion in this study must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Participant diagnosed with mild (GINA1) asthma by physician
2. Participant understands study procedures and is willing to participate in the study as indicated by the participant's signature
3. Provision of written, informed consent prior to any study specific procedures
4. Males and females 17 to 35 years of age
5. Women of childbearing potential (after menarche) must ensure that they are using an effective form of birth control for at least 2 months prior to each imaging visit. Examples of effective birth control include:

1. True sexual abstinence
2. A vasectomized sexual partner
3. Implanon®
4. Female sterilization by tubal occlusion
5. Effective intrauterine device (IUD)/levonogestrel intrauterine system (IUS)
6. Depo-Provera™ injections
7. Oral contraceptive
8. Evra Patch™
9. Nuvaring™

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants fulfilling any of the following criteria are not eligible for inclusion in this study:

1. Participant has an implanted mechanically, electrically, or magnetically activated device or any metal in their body which cannot be removed, including but not limited to pacemakers, neurostimulators, biostimulators, implanted insulin pumps, aneurysm clips, bioprosthesis, artificial limb, metallic fragment or foreign body, shunt, surgical staples (including clips or metallic sutures and/or ear implants) (at the discretion of the MRI Technologist)
2. In the investigator's opinion, subject suffers from any physical, psychological or other condition(s) that might prevent performance of the MRI, CT, or Tc99CImaging, such as severe claustrophobia
3. Participants who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a positive pregnancy test at initial screening visit
4. Participant is unable to perform spirometry or plethysmography maneuvers
5. Participant is unable to perform MRI and CT breath-hold maneuvers

Study Design

Enrollment

40 participants

Anticipated

Interventions and Outcome Measures

Arms

Mild Asthma

Interventions

Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI

Inhalation of hyperpolarized 129Xe gas followed by breath-hold MRI for ventilation imaging.

Tc-99m Technegas Ventilation Imaging

Inhalation of Tc-99m-labeled carbon aerosol (Technegas) followed by SPECT imaging to assess lung ventilation.

Primary outcome measure

  • Measure 129Xe and Tc99C Imaging ventilation defects qualitatively and quantitatively in participants diagnosed and treated as "mild" asthma. [ Time Frame: 1 baseline visit for pre- and post-bronchodilator imaging assessments ]

Central Contacts and Locations

Central contacts

Grace E Parraga, PhD

519-931-5777gparraga@robarts.ca

Angela P Wilson, RRT

519-931-5777awilson@robarts.ca

Locations

Robarts Research Institute; The University of Western Ontario

Recruiting

London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5B7

Contacts

Grace E Parraga, PhD

519-931-5265gparraga@robarts.ca

More Information

Sponsor

Dr. Grace Parraga

Last update posted

Jul 31, 2026

Last verified

Jul, 2026

Keywords

  • Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI
  • Technegas Ventilation Imaging
  • Pulmonary Function Testing
  • Mild Asthma
  • Ventilation Defects

Trial information was received from ClinicalTrials.gov and was last updated on 2026-09-10. This information was provided to ClinicalTrials.gov by Dr. Grace Parraga on 2026-07-31.