Respiratory Research Group

Hull York Medical School and the University of Hull’s Respiratory Research Group undertake research into a number of chest related illnesses. This includes diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and bronchiectasis.

We look to improve the treatment of these diseases by investigating the effectiveness of new medicines and medical equipment. In addition to this, we also carry out trials to improve diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough, under the supervision of our leading expert principle investigator, Professor Alyn Morice. Our research is carried out on a day patient basis by our specialist doctors, nurses and technicians in a safe, relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Our current research interests include chronic cough, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis (CF).

Members

Head of Group

Prof Alyn H Morice - Respiratory Group Head

Academic and research staff

Dr Michael Crooks - Clinical Senior Lecturer
Dr Joe Cuthbert - Clinical Research Fellow
Dr Ghassan Hamad - Clinical GP Senior Lecturer
Dr Simon Hart - Clinical Senior Lecturer
Wayne Sheedy - Group Service Support Manager
Caroline Wright - Clinical Trials Manager

Professional support staff

Kayleigh Brindle - Research Nurse
Julie Crawford - Prof Alyn H Morice's PA
Margaret Crooks - Research Nurse
Nicola McKenzie - Clinical Secretary
Jackie Mower - Research Nurse
Hanka Remblance - Clinical Secretary
Susannah Thackray-Nocera - Research Nurse
Rachel H Thompson - Clinical Research Technician

Research projects

ExacQual Study

Exacerbations of COPD are very distressing for patients and have long term consequences for their health. We want to explore patients and carers experiences, expectations and understanding of exacerbations and their help-seeking behaviour related to their exacerbations.

Radiolabelling of the Fostair pMDI with positron emitting radionuclide (Fluorine-18 or Gallium-68) for inhaled drug particle lung deposition study by micro PET/CT

This study will determine the radioactive load of the p MDI required to deliver a sufficient amount of radiolabel for quantification and investigation of the impact of the radiotracer (radiolysis) on particle morphology using electron microscopy. Particle distribution will then be verified by administration through an Anderson Impactor. Finally, having verified the delivery methodology, delivery of the radiolabelled p MDI to our model will be conducted and the measurement of lung distribution carried out using the micro PET/CT scanner.

Funded by: Chesi Farmaceuticic S.p.A

Prognostic value of 18 FDG TET-CT in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating lung disease associated with significant morbidity and early mortality. We lack biomarkers that accurately identify active disease, aid prognostication, and predict response to anti-fibrotic drug therapy. The development of new imaging modalities that provide structural and functional information should help address this problem.

Positron emission tomography - computerised tomography (PET-CT) combines conventional CT using x-rays to provide structural information and the radioisotope 18fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) to identify metabolically active tissues. PET-CT provides structural information about the lung and highlights metabolically active tissue. 18FDG uptake within areas of fibrosis may represent ‘active’ fibrosis associated with more aggressive disease. If confirmed, 18FDG-PET-CT has the potential to aid prognostication and allow identification of responses to anti-fibrotic drug therapy.

We propose to compare single and dual time point analysis of 18FDG-PET-CT imaging at baseline in a well characterised UK population of patients with IPF. Associations with lung function measurements, indices of exercise capacity and symptoms scores over 12 months will determine the relationship between lung 18FDG uptake on PET-CT and IPF disease progression. A further PET-CT will be undertaken in a subgroup of patients at 1 year to improve our understanding of the merits of serial PET-CT imaging.

Funded by: Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd

VOLCANO - 2 - A double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of three doses of Orvepitant in subjects with Chronic Refractory Cough

Funded by: NeRRe Theraputics Ltd

Development and application of a multi-scale computational model of sarcoidosis to predict therapeutic approaches for non-self-resolving disease

Funded by: Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research