New MRI scan to measure lung function in pulmonary fibrosis

This early-phase study is testing whether hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI—a new type of imaging scan—can safely and reliably measure blood flow and air movement in the lungs of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The scan uses a special form of xenon gas combined with standard MRI technology. Researchers hope this new imaging method could eventually help doctors track how IPF progresses and how well treatments are working, without waiting months or years for traditional lung function tests.

People with IPF currently have limited treatment options, and the standard ways to measure whether treatments are working—like lung function tests done over months—are slow and don't always capture what matters most to patients. A faster, more detailed imaging method could help doctors spot changes earlier and test new treatments more efficiently.