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Design of the SPIROMICS Study of Early COPD Progression: SOURCE Study
Jeffrey L Curtis1,2,3, Lori A Bateman4, Susan Murray5
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States.
Researchers are studying younger smokers at risk for early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aims to understand the biological mechanisms driving COPD development in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Mechanisms of early-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in tobacco-exposed individuals remain unclear.
- This knowledge gap hinders the development of effective disease-modifying treatments for COPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify individuals who develop COPD earlier in life.
- To thoroughly characterize these individuals and define the biological mechanisms of disease progression.
- To contrast early COPD development in smokers with non-smoker controls.
Main Methods:
- The Study of Early COPD Progression (SOURCE) is a multicenter observational cohort study within the SPIROMICS network.
- Enrollment includes 649 participants (ages 30-55, smokers with GOLD 0-2 or preserved ratio-impaired spirometry) and 40 never-smoker controls.
- Comprehensive assessments include imaging (HRCT), lung function tests (spirometry, oscillometry), biospecimen collection (sputum, breath condensate), and symptom/exacerbation tracking. A bronchoscopy substudy will collect lower airway samples.
Main Results:
- This study is ongoing and has not yet produced results.
Conclusions:
- The SOURCE study is expected to yield novel insights into the natural history and biological underpinnings of lung disease in young smokers.
- Findings will contribute to understanding early COPD development and potentially inform new therapeutic strategies.
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