Currently recruiting: People with lung disease and Healthy Volunteers

This clinical trial is designed to collect samples from healthy individuals and individuals with lung disorders to compare specific factors in each. Blood, urine, and airway cells are collected to learn more about the specific causes of lung disease, how lung disease manifests, progresses, and how it can be treated.  Normal healthy volunteers will be used to establish what is considered a normal range for various parameters. This trial is also used to store specimens for future genetic studies.

The purpose of this study is to collect samples from healthy individuals and individuals with lung disease to help in the understanding of the origins and mechanisms of various lung disorders. The main idea is to see if there are changes within the genetic expression of airway cells in patients with lung disorders before there are actual physical changes within the lungs. 

This is a collection study, and no study medication will be given to treat airway disorders. This study is comprised of three main parts. The first is a telephone pre-screening interview. The interview will take about 15 minutes, where questions will be asked about the subject’s background. This will determine if a subject is eligible for the second portion of the study, called the initial screening visit. This will take 4-5 hours and may include blood and urine tests, a physical exam, a chest x-ray, an EKG, and a breathing test. Compensation for completion of the initial screening visit will be $50. If a subject is considered eligible, they will undergo the third part of the study, called the bronchoscopy.  A bronchoscopy is a routine procedure doctors use to look at the inside airways of the lungs. A very thin and flexible tube is inserted down the throat into the lungs for sample collection. The bronchoscopy will take about 2 hours. 

Potential subject compensation as follows:
Full screening: $50
Partial screening: $25
Bronchoscopy: $200
Patient referral (if referred patient completed entire study): $25/patient

Key eligibility:

• This study is open to men and women ages 18 and older and who are able to provide consent
• Volunteer subjects with lung disease, the lung disease must be proven with any of the following: symptoms, chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, lung biopsy, family history, and or/diseases or organs with known association with lung disease
• Healthy volunteer subjects, must be deemed in overall good health without a history of chronic lung disease or specific drug use
• Individuals with certain allergies will not be accepted for their safety
• Women who are pregnant or nursing will not be accepted for their safety
• Detailed eligibility reviewed when you contact the study team