Identification of Novel Biomarkers in Early Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A Disease
This two-year study aims to find new ways to understand and measure Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) in its early stages. CMT1A is the most common inherited nerve condition, affecting how your muscles and senses work. The study includes 35 individuals with CMT1A and 20 healthy volunteers, all aged between 10 and 30. Researchers will collect information through various methods like special MRI scans, blood tests, and skin samples. By looking at these details, they hope to discover 'markers' – which are like early warning signs or indicators – that can help predict how CMT1A might develop. Finding these markers is crucial because it could lead to better ways to test new treatments for CMT1A in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is a common condition that affects the nerves in your body. This can lead to weakness and numbness, especially in your hands and feet. Symptoms usually start in childhood, but how quickly they get worse can be different for everyone. Right now, there isn't a cure for CMT1A, and doctors believe that any future treatments would work best if they started early, before the nerves are badly damaged. However, it's hard to tell how the condition will progress at an early stage, and we don't have easy ways to measure these changes.
This study, called CMT-MODs, is trying to solve this problem. Researchers want to find 'biomarkers' – these are signs in the body, like special readings in blood tests or scans, that can tell us more about CMT1A. They are particularly interested in finding biomarkers that show how the disease develops over time. This information could be really important for doctors and scientists when they are testing new treatments for CMT1A in the future.
Over two years, the study will follow 35 young people with CMT1A and 20 healthy volunteers, all aged between 10 and 30. During this time, they will carry out different tests, including special MRI scans, skin samples, blood tests, and assessments of your movements and daily activities. By looking at all this information very closely, the scientists hope to find clear signs that can help predict how CMT1A might progress and how severe it could become. This could pave the way for more effective treatments down the line.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to find new ways to track CMT1A in young people.
- It involves special scans, blood tests, and physical assessments over two years.
- The goal is to discover 'markers' that predict how CMT1A might progress.
- No new treatments are given; the study focuses on understanding the disease.
- Findings could help develop better ways to test future CMT1A treatments.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be between 10 and 30 years old. You might be able to take part if you have Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A) that has been confirmed by a genetic test, or if one of your parents has a genetically confirmed diagnosis. You should also be able to walk, even if you need some help to do so.
They are also looking for healthy volunteers who are between 10 and 30 years old and do not have any nerve conditions. Everyone taking part, or their parents if they are under 18, must give their permission to be in the study.
Some people won't be able to join. For example, if you have other serious nerve conditions, can't have an MRI scan, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, healthy volunteers who are on long-term medication or those taking part in other research might not be eligible.
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.
- Are you between 10 and 30 years old?
- Do you have CMT1A confirmed by a genetic test, or does a parent have it?
- Are you able to walk, with or without assistance?
- Are you able to have an MRI scan?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be involved for about two years. During this time, you will have several appointments where the study team will carry out a range of checks. These include special MRI scans of your muscles and nerves, blood tests, and possibly a small skin sample (this is optional). You will also have tests to check your nerve function and movement, and you may fill out questionnaires about your daily life and how you are feeling.
The study involves regular check-ups over the two-year period, usually at set times. There are no new medications given as part of this study; it's focused on understanding the disease through different types of measurements and assessments. They will also look at how your nerve function changes over time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de MarseilleVerified postcodeMarseille, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is CMT1A?
CMT1A is a common inherited nerve condition that affects your muscles and sensation, especially in your hands and feet. It often starts in childhood.
What are biomarkers?
Biomarkers are like important clues found in your body, like in blood tests or scans, that can tell doctors more about a disease, such as how it's progressing.
Will I get any medicine in this study?
No, this study does not involve giving new medicines. It focuses on understanding CMT1A better through different tests and measurements.
How long will the study last if I join?
If you take part, the study will involve follow-up appointments over a period of two years.
Who can join the study?
People with genetically confirmed CMT1A, or healthy volunteers, between the ages of 10 and 30, are being considered. You must be able to walk, even with help.
How to find out more
Shahram ATTARIAN, PU-PH
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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