Single-Cell Sequencing Analysis of Radiation Pneumonitis Signals In Patients Treated For Cancer With Radiotherapy
Patients with signs of radiation induced lung inflammation, who are referred for a clinical bronchoscopy for investigation, will have a sample sent for single cell sequencing. This is a novel technique which allows for identification of which cells are present and what they are doing. This hopes to better understand radiation pneumonitis, a dose-limiting toxicity in cancer treatment which can be highly morbid and even fatal.
• Age over 18 years
• Patient has received thoracic radiotherapy and has clinical or radiological features in fitting with a diagnosis of Radiation Pneumonitis (onset one to four months post-RT with breathlessness, especially exertional, cough, chest discomfort, which is persistent over weeks, a chest x-ray \[CXR\] may demonstrate patchy or widespread opacification although can be normal.)
• Must be ambulant, oxygen independent with SpO2 \>92% on air and haemodynamically stable to be considered safe for a bronchoscopy.
• Willing to undergo and likely able to tolerate bronchoscopy, ie. Can lie flat without compromising ventilation, and able to consent to the ELFMAN Protocol and SPITFIRE trial.