UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel single time point high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan method for the early prediction of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis disease progression.
BACKGROUND:
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease that results in scarring of the lungs for an unknown reason. Scarring accumulates over time to cause a decline in lung function, yet scarring progression timelines remain unpredictable. Current IPF disease prediction models rely on two medical images that compare baseline and follow-up changes, to predict long-term IPF patient status. However, this method does not adequately predict whether IPF patients are likely to progress or will remain stable at an early stage. Without an accurate idea of how quickly the disease will progress, clinicians are unable to determine an appropriate therapeutic approach.
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers have created a method for the early prediction of IPF disease progression, using a single time point HRCT scan. The technology is able to provide a baseline metric extracted from one image to predict IPF patient follow-up status from six months to one year. This prediction distinguishes between patients who will remain stable at an early disease stage from those who are likely to develop more severe indications. Therefore, clinicians may make crucial, timely decisions about whether to continue or switch a course of treatment based on early signs of disease progression.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Predict IPF disease progression
- Assist clinicians to make a timely decision of continuing or switching a treatment for IPF
ADVANTAGES:
- Uses only single time point HRCT images
- Predicts six months to one year follow-up status for IPF patients
- Distinguishes patients expected to have disease progression from those expected to remain stable at an early stage
- Prediction occurs at the whole lung level
DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:
This invention has been validated using anonymized scans from patients with IPF. A patent application has been authorized.