New imaging scans to understand lung scarring patterns

Plain-English translation of NCT04362644 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether two specialized imaging scans — using radioactive tracers called [18F]FDG and [18F]DPA-714 combined with PET/CT technology — can help doctors see exactly where inflammation and scarring are happening in your lungs. Right now, doctors have a hard time understanding why idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis affects different people differently. This research aims to give doctors a clearer picture of what's happening inside your lungs so they can develop better treatments in the future.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a serious condition where lung tissue gradually becomes scarred, but the disease doesn't progress the same way in everyone. Doctors need better ways to see and measure the inflammation and scarring in each patient's lungs so they can match treatments to individual needs.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 40 and 85 years old
you have been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis within the last 5 years, confirmed by current diagnostic standards
your lung function tests show a specific ratio (FEV1/FVC) above 0.70
you are able and willing to give informed consent and follow study requirements
you have a genetic marker (based on SNP rs6971 testing) showing you will respond appropriately to the imaging tracers

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had an acute worsening of your IPF within the last 30 days
you have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
you are currently taking high doses of prednisone (more than 20 mg) or certain other immunosuppressant medications
you have had recent radiation therapy to your chest
you are currently smoking cigarettes or using vaping products

What participation looks like

If you qualify for this study, you will undergo two specialized PET/CT imaging scans that use radioactive tracers to visualize inflammation and scarring in your lungs. The scans are non-invasive — you will lie still inside the imaging machine while it takes pictures. The study involves a small number of participants (around 10 total) and is being conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 17, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama