RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The BRIDGE Study - Bronchiectasis Research Involving Databases, Genomics and Endotyping

The BRIDGE Study is designed to better understand bronchiectasis, a lung condition that causes long-term coughs and makes people prone to chest infections. Currently, treatments often don't work for everyone because the condition affects people in different ways. This study aims to find out if there are different 'types' of bronchiectasis, both when people are feeling stable and when they have a flare-up (exacerbation). By looking at things like genes, bacteria in the lungs, and how the body reacts to inflammation, researchers hope to discover these different types. The ultimate goal is to help doctors choose the best possible treatment for each individual patient, leading to more effective and personalised care in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Dundee

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Nov 2019

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2027

Bronchiectasis Adult

What is this study about?

Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition where the airways become permanently widened and damaged, leading to symptoms like a persistent cough, mucus production, and frequent chest infections. It's a condition that can affect people in many different ways, and what works for one person might not work for another. This makes finding effective treatments quite challenging, and many studies have struggled to find a 'one-size-fits-all' solution.

The BRIDGE Study wants to get to the bottom of why bronchiectasis affects people so differently. The researchers believe that there aren't just 'bronchiectasis' but actually many different kinds of bronchiectasis. They want to find these different types, called 'endotypes', both when people are feeling well and when they have a flare-up of their symptoms (called an exacerbation). By understanding these different types at a very detailed level, looking at everything from the tiny germs in the lungs to how the body's immune system reacts, they hope to get a clearer picture of the disease.

The main aim is to discover these different 'types' of bronchiectasis and then figure out which treatments might work best for each type. Imagine if doctors could know, based on your specific 'type' of bronchiectasis, exactly which medicine is most likely to help you. This study is an important step towards that future, helping to develop more personalised and effective ways to manage bronchiectasis and improve the lives of people living with this condition.

Key takeaways

The study aims to understand different 'types' of bronchiectasis.
It's an observational study, meaning no new treatments are given.
Researchers will collect detailed information about your condition.
Participation helps scientists find better, personalised treatments for *all* people with bronchiectasis.
You must be an adult with diagnosed bronchiectasis and stable symptoms to join.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with bronchiectasis by a lung specialist (respiratory physician). You will need to have had a CT scan that confirmed you have bronchiectasis, and you should regularly experience symptoms like a cough, producing mucus, or having repeated chest infections.

To join, you must be feeling stable at the time of your screening visit. This means you shouldn't have been treated with antibiotics or steroids for a chest flare-up (exacerbation) in the four weeks leading up to that visit. The researchers want to study the condition when it's not actively flaring up, to get a clear picture of how it usually affects you.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have active tuberculosis or if your bronchiectasis is caused by cystic fibrosis, you wouldn't be able to take part in this particular study. Also, anyone unable to give their full consent to participate wouldn't be included.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Has a lung specialist (respiratory physician) diagnosed you with bronchiectasis?
Have you had a CT scan showing bronchiectasis?
Are your symptoms (cough, mucus, infections) consistent with bronchiectasis?
Have you been free from antibiotics or steroids for a chest flare-up in the last 4 weeks?
Do you not have cystic fibrosis or active tuberculosis?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

This is an observational study, which means you won't be given any new or experimental treatments. Instead, the researchers will be carefully collecting information about your bronchiectasis over time. This will involve several visits where they might gather clinical data (like your medical history and symptoms), take samples of your sputum (phlegm), and possibly blood samples. They might also look at the tiny organisms living in your lungs (your microbiome) and how your body reacts to inflammation.

Some parts of the study might involve a more detailed look at your lung cells. For example, for a smaller group of volunteers, they might take a gentle brushing from inside your nose to study your airway cells in the lab. This isn't expected to involve a long duration for any individual, but the study will aim to collect information over time to see changes during stable periods and exacerbations.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing valuable information that could lead to better understanding and treatment for bronchiectasis in the future. While you won't receive direct personal medical benefits from participating, your involvement helps researchers advance knowledge for all people with bronchiectasis. Potential risks are generally low, mainly related to the procedures for collecting samples, such as minor discomfort from sputum collection or blood draws. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Dundee
Dundee, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'endotype'?

An 'endotype' is like a specific type of illness within a broader condition. For bronchiectasis, it means trying to find distinct groups of people whose condition behaves similarly on a biological level.

Will I receive new treatment in this study?

No, this is an observational study. You won't be given any new treatments. Doctors will simply observe and collect information about your condition.

What does a 'stable' condition mean for this study?

It means you haven't had a flare-up of your bronchiectasis that needed antibiotics or steroids in the four weeks leading up to joining the study.

What are 'biomarkers'?

Biomarkers are measurable signs in your body, like certain molecules in your blood or sputum, that can indicate the presence or severity of a disease, or how it might respond to treatment.

How might this study help me in the future?

While you won't get direct treatment from this study, the findings could lead to doctors being able to offer more personalised and effective treatments for bronchiectasis in the future.

How to find out more

James D Chalmers, MD, PhD

james.chalmers@nhs.scot 01382660111 Official trial record

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