Article Impact Level: HIGH Data Quality: STRONG Summary of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, 11(5), 444–459. https://doi.org/10.15326/jcopdf.2023.0490 Dr. Jeffrey L. Curtis et al.
Points
- The SPIROMICS SOURCE study is a multicenter observational study focused on identifying early markers and mechanisms of COPD in younger smokers.
- The study will recruit 649 smokers aged 30–55 with a minimum of 10 pack-years and will include 40 never-smoker controls for comparison.
- Participants undergo comprehensive assessments, including HRCT, spirometry, respiratory oscillometry, and biospecimen collection at baseline and follow-up visits over three years.
- A subset of 100 participants will participate in a bronchoscopy substudy to analyze the genetic, epigenetic, and microbiome factors in the lower airways.
- Findings from SOURCE aim to improve understanding of early-stage COPD, identify progression factors, and potentially lead to new therapeutic targets for younger populations at risk.
Summary
The SPIROMICS Study of Early COPD Progression (SOURCE) is a multicenter, observational cohort study designed to identify early markers and mechanisms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in younger individuals with a history of cigarette smoking. Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the study aims to recruit 649 participants aged 30–55 years with at least 10 pack-years of smoking history, either in GOLD groups 0–2 or have preserved ratio-impaired spirometry. Additionally, 40 never-smoker controls will be included. Participants undergo baseline and 3-year follow-up visits, with various diagnostic assessments including high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), spirometry, respiratory oscillometry, and biospecimen collection.
The study will focus on identifying at-risk individuals for early COPD progression and understanding the biological mechanisms involved. The study protocol includes regular symptom monitoring, health care utilization tracking, and collection of sputum and exhaled breath condensate at baseline. In addition, a bronchoscopy substudy involving 100 participants, including all never-smokers, will collect lower airway samples for genetic, epigenetic, and microbiome analyses. By contrasting these participants with those not progressing to COPD, the study aims to delineate the factors influencing disease progression and its biological basis.
The SOURCE study is expected to provide valuable insights into the natural history of lung disease in younger smokers and deepen understanding of early-stage COPD. By combining detailed clinical data with molecular and immunological assessments, the study aims to uncover mechanisms of disease progression and identify potential therapeutic targets for COPD in younger populations. The results from this cohort could inform the development of disease-modifying agents for COPD, an area with significant unmet need.
Link to the article: https://journal.copdfoundation.org/jcopdf/id/1507/Design-of-the-SPIROMICS-Study-of-Early-COPD-Progression-SOURCE-Study
References Curtis, J. L., Bateman, L. A., Murray, S., Couper, D. J., Labaki, W. W., Freeman, C. M., Arnold, K. B., Christenson, S. A., Alexis, N. E., Kesimer, M., Boucher, R. C., Kaner, R. J., Barjaktarevic, I., Cooper, C. B., Hoffman, E. A., Barr, R. G., Bleecker, E. R., Bowler, R. P., Comellas, A., … Martinez, F. J. (2024). Design of the spiromics study of early copd progression: Source study. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, 11(5), 444–459. https://doi.org/10.15326/jcopdf.2023.0490
