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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
03:38
Unilateral Lung Volume Analysis Using Micro-CT for Enhanced Assessment of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Preclinical Models
Published on: June 20, 2025
Biological lung volume reduction: a new bronchoscopic therapy for advanced emphysema
John Reilly1, George Washko, Victor Pinto-Plata
1Brigham and Women's Hospital, Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115-6110, USA. jreilly@partners.org
Chest
|April 12, 2007
Summary
Biological lung volume reduction (BLVR) is a safe new treatment for emphysema, showing promising improvements in lung function and exercise capacity in early human trials.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Biological lung volume reduction (BLVR) has shown efficacy in animal models for emphysema.
- This study reports the initial human clinical experience and 3-month follow-up of BLVR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of BLVR in patients with advanced heterogeneous emphysema.
- To assess adverse events, pulmonary function, symptoms, and exercise capacity post-BLVR treatment.
Main Methods:
- An open-label, phase 1 trial enrolled six patients with advanced heterogeneous emphysema.
- Patients were divided into two groups receiving unilateral treatment at two or four pulmonary subsegments.
- Safety and clinical outcomes were monitored over a 3-month follow-up period.
Main Results:
- BLVR was well-tolerated and safe, with no serious complications reported.
- Patients showed improvements in vital capacity, reduced residual volume, and enhanced 6-minute walk distance.
- A potential dose-response relationship was observed, with more subsegments treated correlating with greater benefits.
Conclusions:
- BLVR appears to be a safe therapeutic option for selected patients with advanced heterogeneous emphysema.
- Preliminary findings suggest BLVR may offer significant clinical benefits, warranting further investigation.
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