NCT05033990 · University of Massachusetts, Worcester
SPIROMICS Study of Early COPD Progression (SOURCE)
(SOURCE)
What this study is about
This is an observational study of 1000 participants to further define the nature of early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in younger, at-risk individuals. The study has three main goals: * To use CT scan imaging to identify which smokers will develop COPD. * To identify biomarkers predictive of smokers that will develop COPD.
View original scientific description
This is an observational study of 1000 participants to further define the nature of early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in younger, at-risk individuals. The study has three main goals: * To use CT scan imaging to identify which smokers will develop COPD. * To identify biomarkers predictive of smokers that will develop COPD. * To determine if sputum (phlegm) can be analyzed to predict which smokers will develop COPD. Procedures (methods): All participants will undergo study related questionnaires assessing medical history, smoke exposure and use, medication use, social and behavioral health, pulmonary symptoms, food frequency, and will provide nasal swab, blood, stool, and urine samples, pulmonary function testing to determine function, sputum induction to provide a sputum sample for airway biospecimen analysis, and CT imaging of the lungs.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 40 of the 1000 will be healthy controls: ages 30-55 years; with no smoking history (\< 100 cigarettes in lifetime), including vaping and cannabis use; pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC \> 0.70; pre-bronchodilator FEV1 \> 80% predicted; pre-bronchodilator FVC \> 80% predicted; Chronic Airway Assessment Test (CAAT) score \< 10. Willingness to also participate in the bronchoscopy sub-study is only required of the 20 healthy controls recruited from the clinical centers participating in the sub-study.
- Approximately one-third of the 960 will be GOLD 0 participants: ages 30-55 years; with ≥ 10 pack-year smoking history; post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC \> 0.70 and FEV1 \> 80% predicted.
- Approximately one-third of the 960 will be Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (PRISm) participants: ages 30-55 years; with ≥ 10 pack-year smoking history; post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC \> 0.70 and FEV1 \< 80% predicted.
- Approximately one-third of the 960 will be GOLD 1-2 participants: ages 30-55 years; with ≥ 10 pack-year smoking history; post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC \< 0.70 and FEV1 \> 50% predicted.
Exclusion criteria
- Severe asthma, which is defined as any of the following:
- Current (i.e., at the time of the visit) Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Step 4 or higher therapy (medium dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)/long-acting beta agonist (LABA) or high dose ICS or add-on long-acting muscarinic agonist (LAMA); Medium dose \> 250 fluticasone propionate, = 100 fluticasone furoate, \> 200 beclomethasone, \> 400 budesonide, \> 220 mometasone). We will accept low-dose ICS/LABA or medium dose ICS; or
- Three or more unscheduled healthcare visits (provider/urgent care/ER) for asthma in the past 12 months; or
- One asthma hospitalization in the past 12 months.
- Concurrent participation in a therapeutic trial where treatment is blinded.
- Active pregnancy at the time of the baseline visit or planning to become pregnant during the course of the study. This special population is being excluded to minimize potential for fetal radiation exposure.
- Cognitive dysfunction that prevents the participant from completing study procedures.
- BMI \> 35.0 kg/m\^2 at baseline, due to the effects of body weight on CT scan imaging quality.
- The presence of a respiratory condition other than COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema) or asthma, such as interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis, or of a comorbid condition that in the judgment of the investigator may be the principal cause of respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnea or decreased exercise tolerance).
- Any illness expected to cause mortality in the next three years.
- Any implanted metallic devices or prosthesis above the waist that could degrade thoracic CT scan image quality.
- History of thoracic radiation or thoracic surgery with resection of lung tissue.
- Known HIV/AIDS infection.
- Current illicit substance abuse, excluding marijuana.
- History of or current use of IV Ritalin.
- History of or current use of heroin.
- History of illegal IV drug use within the last 10 years or more than 5 instances of illegal IV drug use ever.
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Los Angeles, California
- San Francisco, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Chicago, Illinois
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- New York, New York
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
And 1 more location — see the full list below.
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations