RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Integrating Pediatric Pharmacogenomic Testing Into the Canadian Health Care System

This Canadian study is exploring how children's genes affect their response to everyday medicines, specifically antibiotics, painkillers, and mental health drugs. Many children experience unwanted side effects from these common medications. The research team is using special genetic tests, called pharmacogenomic tests, to understand how a child's unique genetic makeup might influence how well a drug works and if it causes side effects. They are checking to see if these tests can help doctors and pharmacists make better, safer choices about which medicines to prescribe for children. The study also wants to find out what doctors, pharmacists, patients, and their families think about using these tests and how helpful they find the results.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

150

Start

20 Feb 2020

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2028

Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)

What is this study about?

This research project is designed to understand why some children experience unwanted side effects or don't respond well to common medicines. Specifically, it's focusing on three types of drugs often given to children: antibiotics (for infections), painkillers (for pain relief), and medicines for mental health conditions. By studying how a child's genes affect their reaction to these drugs, the researchers hope to make medicine safer and more effective for young patients.

The project involves trying out a type of genetic testing called 'pharmacogenomic testing'. This test looks at specific genes that can influence how a person's body processes certain medications. The idea is that if doctors know this information beforehand, they can choose the best dose or even a different medicine that's more likely to work well and cause fewer problems for that specific child. The study will look at how doctors, pharmacists, children, and their families understand and use the results from these tests.

Ultimately, this research aims to improve the way children's medicines are prescribed. By gathering information on how these genetic tests are used in practice and what people think of them, the hope is to make it easier for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, leading to better and safer treatment for children across Canada.

Key takeaways

Aims to make children's medicines safer and more effective.
Uses genetic tests to understand how genes affect drug reactions.
Focuses on antibiotics, painkillers, and mental health drugs.
Results from genetic tests will be shared with participants and their doctors.
Hopes to improve prescribing decisions for children.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if your doctor thinks you could benefit from a special genetic test called a pharmacogenomic test. This means your doctor is either thinking about prescribing you a medicine that's part of this study (like certain antibiotics, painkillers, or mental health medications), or you are already taking one of these types of medicines.

The main idea is to see whether understanding your genes can help decide which medicine is best for you. If a medicine your doctor is considering can be checked using these genetic tests, then you could be a good fit.

However, if you do not speak or understand English, you unfortunately won't be able to take part in this study. This is because the study materials and conversations with the medical team will be in English.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child's doctor considering prescribing an antibiotic, painkiller, or mental health medicine?
Is your child already taking one of these types of medicines?
Does your child's doctor think a genetic test might help choose the right medicine?
Do you and your child (if old enough) speak and understand English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study would involve collecting some of your personal health information, mainly from your doctor, about the medicines you are taking or are about to take. You would have a pharmacogenomic test, which usually involves providing a sample like a swab from inside your cheek or a blood test – though the exact method isn't specified here, it's generally a simple procedure. The results of this test would then be shared with your doctor, pharmacist, and you and your family. The research team will also want to talk to you, your family, your doctor, and your pharmacist about what you thought of the test and if it helped with your treatment decisions. The total duration of your involvement isn't specified, but it would involve these steps and follow-up discussions.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help your doctor choose a medicine that works better for you and has fewer side effects, based on your unique genetic makeup. While there aren't many direct risks associated with providing a sample for genetic testing, some people might feel anxious about getting their genetic information. All results will be handled with strict privacy. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'pharmacogenomic testing'?

It's a type of genetic test that looks at how your genes might affect how your body reacts to certain medicines, helping doctors choose the best treatment for you.

What kind of medicines are being looked at?

The study focuses on common medicines for children, including antibiotics, painkillers, and mental health medications.

Will I get my test results?

Yes, the results of the genetic test will be shared with you, your family, your doctor, and your pharmacist.

Is this study only for Canadian children?

Yes, this specific research project is being carried out within the Canadian healthcare system.

What if I decide I don't want to be in the study anymore?

You can leave the study at any time, and it won't affect the medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Bruce Carleton, PharmD.

bcarleton@popi.ubc.ca 604-875-2179 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.