Helping pulmonology patients breathe easier

Our pulmonary research focuses on improving the health and care of patients with lung conditions. Those conditions include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung nodules and sleep disorders. We are actively involved in federally funded and industry-sponsored clinical research trials, collaborating with pulmonary experts across the country. Participation in these studies is open to HealthPartners members and community members.

Investigator

Key projects

Genetic Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPDGene)

In 2007, we began enrolling a cohort of more than 10,000 current and former smokers from across the United States to study subtypes of disease and genetic factors. Subsequent phases (Phase II and Phase III) of the study brought back the initial participants for additional evaluations at approximately five-year intervals. In 2024, we began Phase IV. The study is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The subject data collected at the baseline COPDGene study visit and longitudinal data from both 5- and 10-year follow up visits will be combined with the 15-year follow up to assess disease progression and incidence of COPD in smokers, and as important additional endpoints for genetic and omics association studies. We are one of 19 clinical centers across the United States.

The Collaborative Cohort of Cohorts for COVID-19 Research (C4R)

This nationwide study of more than 50,000 individuals seeks to determine factors that predict disease severity and long-term health impacts of COVID-19. Information about illnesses diagnosed as, or suspected to be due to, COVID-19 or similar respiratory illnesses is collected. Subjects from the COPDGene study are invited to participate in this important research.

Video Telehealth Pulmonary Rehabilitation to Reduce Hospital Readmission in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (TeleCOPD)

We will compare video telehealth pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) to usual care to see how effective it is in reducing hospital readmissions and improving quality of life following hospitalization for a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare up. We will also test whether video telehealth PR results in cost-savings for the health system.

Increasing Adherence to Pulmonary Rehabilitation after COPD-related Hospitalizations

Despite the proven benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), the proportion of people with COPD who receive it is very small. The current model of a center-based PR program fails to address the needs of many patients with COPD. The most common patient barrier to attendance is travel to center-based programs, particularly for frail patients with more severe COPD who need transportation assistance. For Phase III of this study, participants were randomized to one of two arms: home-based pulmonary rehab or Choice. Patients randomized to Choice choose between center-based rehabilitation or telehealth rehabilitation. We are evaluating the effect of home-based rehabilitation on quality of life, physical activity (steps) and health care use. For those in the telehealth arm, a health coach reviews the data and provides weekly coaching to facilitate behavioral change and self-efficacy.

NIMBLE

This Phase III noninferiority research study will test whether a study drug works at least as well as the medication people with eosinophilic asthma have been using to treat their asthma (mepolizumab or benralizumab). The study drug works the same way as three already approved asthma medications: mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab. These medications are taken every 4 to 8 weeks; the study drug will be given twice a year.

Screening for High-Frequency Malignant Disease (SHIELD)

Finding more ways to screen for lung cancer could prevent unnecessary procedures when lung nodules are found. We will test a blood sample to see if we can detect cancer cells for people who are scheduled for a low-dose lung cancer screening computed tomography (CT) scan.

Watch the Spot

Monitoring lung spots with repeated computed tomography (CT) scans can help doctors find lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable. However, it can also increase the risks, costs and inconvenience of unnecessary tests. This study will help clinicians understand how often to repeat CT scans to determine if a spot is cancerous. It will also look at how often patients prefer to have CT scans and how they would like to be informed of the results.

Key publications

Learn more about our Pulmonology investigators and their publications by visiting Knowledge Exchange.

Pulmonology