CompletedObservational

Predictors of disease activity in multiple sclerosis

The PrecisionMS study wants to understand and predict how Multiple Sclerosis (MS) changes for different people. MS can be unpredictable, and finding the right treatment at the right time is crucial. Currently, doctors often react to how the disease has progressed. This study hopes to develop tools that use information from your routine NHS care, like blood tests and brain scans, to predict how your MS might behave in the future. This would allow you and your doctor to make more informed, proactive decisions about your treatment sooner. No new drugs are given, and your usual care won't change. It's about making care more personal and effective for people with MS.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

NHS Lothian

Enrolment target

320

Start

02 Aug 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Development of “disease activity” prediction tools based on next-generation biomarkers in people with multiple sclerosis to inform prospective decisions about the personalised risk/benefit relationship of available treatments

What is this study about?

The PrecisionMS study is looking into ways to better understand how Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects people. MS is a complicated condition, and it can be hard to predict how it will progress in different individuals. Sometimes, people experience many 'relapses' (sudden worsening of symptoms), while others may have fewer. There are medicines available that can help reduce these relapses, but choosing the best one for each person, and knowing when to start it, can be a real challenge.

At the moment, doctors and patients often have to wait and see how the MS develops before making big treatment decisions. This approach, while necessary sometimes, might mean that opportunities to control the disease early are missed, potentially leading to more relapses than necessary. The PrecisionMS study wants to change this. Their goal is to find ways to predict, much earlier, how active someone's MS might be. This would allow doctors and patients to make more personalised and proactive choices about treatment, aiming for better long-term health.

This study is observational, meaning researchers will simply gather information from your usual NHS appointments and tests. You won't be given any new medications, and your current treatment will not be delayed or changed because of your participation. The study uses existing information like blood test results and brain scans that are already part of your standard care for MS. Researchers will then look at this information to find patterns that help predict disease activity.

Key takeaways

Aims to predict MS activity earlier for better treatment choices.
Uses information from your routine NHS appointments and tests.
No new medicines or changes to your current treatment.
Participation involves three visits over two years, integrated with your usual care.
Small commitment, but could help improve MS care for others.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or similar conditions that affect the nervous system. You need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part.

If you have a type of MS called 'Relapsing-Remitting MS' and were diagnosed within the last five years, you might fit into one group. Another group includes those with any type of MS (even if diagnosed more than five years ago) or other related conditions like neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

To join, you must be a patient getting care from NHS Lothian or NHS Highland in Scotland. You won't be able to take part if you are under 18 or can't have an MRI scan of your brain for any reason.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or a similar neurological condition?
Do you receive your care from NHS Lothian or NHS Highland?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to participate?
Can you have an MRI scan of your brain?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the first step is a chat with the research team. They'll explain everything, answer your questions, and if you're happy, you'll sign a consent form. They'll also collect some basic health information and do a quick check-up.

The study involves three visits, which will be part of your normal hospital appointments: one at the start, then roughly one year later, and another one two years after that. At your first visit, you might be asked to complete an optional short questionnaire (5-10 minutes) about your quality of life and how you'd like to get your study results. The researchers will then collect information from your routine NHS health records, like blood test results and brain scans.

If certain measurements like your height, weight, or blood pressure aren't in your records, they might ask to take them during your visit – but this is optional. If you don't have a routine blood test scheduled, they might offer to take a small blood sample (about 1-2 tablespoons) at the clinic or provide a fingerprick test you can do at home. These extra measurements are also completely optional. The study will run from August 2022 to June 2028.

Potential risks and benefits

There aren't any direct personal benefits expected from taking part in this study. However, you will have the chance to learn about your individual test results from the researchers, which might help you understand more about your MS. The main goal of the study is to help improve MS care for everyone in the future. The risks of taking part are very small. Having a blood sample taken might cause a brief discomfort or occasionally a small bruise. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic
City only
Edinburgh, Scotland
Inverness
Approximate
Inverness, Scotland

Common questions

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve giving you any new medicines. Your current treatment will not be changed or delayed because you are taking part.

How often will I need to visit the hospital?

The study visits are integrated into your routine NHS appointments for MS, so you won't need extra trips. There are three main visits over two years.

What kind of information will the researchers collect?

They will use information from your regular NHS care, such as blood tests, brain scans, and other health details already in your hospital records.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason. Your decision will not affect your medical care in any way.

Will I find out my personal study results?

Yes, if you wish, the researchers will share your individual results with you at your routine appointments with your neurologist.

How to find out more

David Hunt

David.Hunt@ed.ac.uk +44 (0)1314659517 Official trial record

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