Ventilation Heterogeneity Prior to Lung Resection

Prevalence and Clinical Relevance of Ventilation Heterogeneity and Luminal Cellular Inflammation in Lung Cancer Patients Prior to Lung Resection

This is a single centre prospective six-week observational study to understand the prevalence and clinical relevance of abnormal ventilation of the lung (assessed by Technegas ventilation single photon emission computed tomography (V SPECT) and hyperpolarized 129Xe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)), in the presence or absence of airway inflammation (assessed by sputum cell counts), in lung cancer patients prior to lung resection surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Undergoing lung resection for lung cancer at St. Joseph's Healthcare (Hamilton, Ontario) in accordance with British Thoracic Society guidelines.
• Males and females ≥ 18 years of age.
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent.
• Able and willing to comply with the study protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous lung resection surgery.
• Previous chest radiation.
• Patient has an implanted mechanically, electrically or magnetically activated device or any metal in their body which cannot be removed, including but not limited to pacemakers, neurostimulators, biostimulators, implanted insulin pumps, aneurysm clips, bioprosthesis, artificial limb, metallic fragment or foreign body, shunt, surgical staples.
• In the investigator's opinion, subject suffers from any physical, psychological or other condition(s) that might prevent performance of the MRI, such as severe claustrophobia.
• Pregnancy.