Researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital are studying whether daily airway clearance therapy is still necessary for children and young adults with cystic fibrosis now that highly effective new medications (CFTR modulators) are available. Using advanced Xenon MRI, researchers can safely monitor how the lungs respond when these treatments are temporarily stopped or restarted, which could help reduce the daily burden of therapy for people living with cystic fibrosis.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 11-21
• Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis
• Prescribed mechanical airway clearance therapy
• Able to undergo an MRI scan (no metal in the body, no claustrophobia)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Change in therapies or medication in the last 30 days
• Recent flare-ups related to cystic fibrosis
• Lung, liver, or pancreatic disease unrelated to cystic fibrosis
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Acute respiratory symptoms

Overall Duration

• Attend in-person visits at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital — the number of visits depends on which part of the study you take part in.

What’s Involved

• Structural and functional imaging using Xenon MRI
• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Multiple Breath Washout (a detailed breathing test)
• Between visits, you (or your child) will be asked to either increase or decrease airway clearance treatments at home, depending on the part of the study

Visit Schedule

• One study aim involves a single visit; two other aims each involve three visits
• Participants who take part in two aims can complete up to four visits total

You (or your child) will be paid $150 for each study visit — up to $600 in total compensation if all four visits are completed.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.