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Temple First In Region To Study New Treatment Option for Emphysema Patients
Temple University Hospital is participating in a multi-site, world-wide clinical trial of a novel investigational bronchoscopic treatment for patients with advanced emphysema. Temple University Hospital is the region's first hospital to study this promising therapy.
The trial -- called the AeriSeal® System for Hyperinflation Reduction in Emphysema (ASPIRE) -- uses an investigational product that results in lung-volume reduction without the use of surgery.
Gerard J. Criner, MD, Chair of the Department of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine, is leading Temple's participation in the trial. Dr. Criner says the study will give patients "access to participate in a study examining an innovative treatment option."
The AeriSeal® System is an investigational product that includes a synthetic, injectable foam sealant that is administered bronchoscopically to diseased areas of the lung. The foam sealant functions as a "glue" to seal and shrink these areas, allowing the remaining lung and the respiratory muscles to function better.
After a pre-screening process, those who meet the clinical criteria for study participation are randomized to either standard-of-care or undergo the procedure. In those randomized to the experimental bronchoscopic procedure, doctors administer the sealant through the bronchoscope to four different areas of damaged lung, two on each side. After the procedure, study participants stay in the hospital for a minimum of one night. Participants then go through up to five years of follow-up doctor's visits and tests.
"This is the kind of innovative clinical research opportunity that we are pleased to offer to patients with advanced emphysema," said Dr. Criner, who is also Director of the nationally-ranked Temple Lung Center, one of the nation's leaders in the diagnosis, treatment and research of patients with complex lung problems.
Temple University Hospital is currently pre-screening patients for the trial. Interested patients may call Kathy McLeer, RN, research program manager, at 215-707-4821 for more information.
Note: Dr. Criner has no financial interest in Aeris Therapeutics, manufacturer of the AeriSeal® System.
Date Published: Thursday, July 05, 2012
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