Safety study for the use of Rapamycin in children with familial adenomatous polyposis - RAPA-4-FAP
This study is investigating a medicine called rapamycin for children who have a condition known as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is a genetic condition that causes many small growths, called polyps, to appear in the bowel. These polyps can sometimes turn into cancer if not treated. The main aim of this study is to carefully monitor the safety of rapamycin, looking for any unexpected effects or side effects while children are taking the medicine and for a short time afterwards. The study will also look at how rapamycin affects the number and size of these polyps in different parts of the bowel based on pictures from colonoscopies. By comparing these pictures before and after treatment, the researchers hope to understand if rapamycin could be a helpful treatment for FAP. This is an early-stage study, meaning it's mainly focused on understanding how the medicine works and if it's safe.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is exploring a new way to help children who have a condition called familial adenomatous polyposis, often shortened to FAP. FAP is a condition that runs in families and causes many small growths, called polyps, to form in a child's large bowel (colon and rectum). These polyps can become cancerous over time if they are not removed or treated.
The main purpose of this study is to see how safe a medicine called rapamycin is for children with FAP. This is an important first step when trying a new medicine. The research team will be carefully watching for any side effects, both minor and serious, while children are taking the medicine and for about a month after they stop. They want to make sure rapamycin can be given without causing too many problems.
Alongside checking safety, the study will also look at how rapamycin affects the polyps themselves. Doctors will take pictures of the bowel using a procedure called a colonoscopy both before and after a child has taken the medicine for six months. By comparing these pictures, they can see if the number of polyps has changed, or if the size of the largest polyps has gotten smaller. This will help them understand if rapamycin might be a promising treatment to help manage FAP in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study is testing a medicine called rapamycin for children with FAP.
- The main goal is to check how safe rapamycin is and what side effects it might have.
- Researchers will also see if the medicine affects the number and size of polyps in the bowel.
- Children will take the medicine for six months and have regular check-ups, including colonoscopies.
- Participation involves careful monitoring of your child's health.
- This is an early study to learn more about a potential new treatment for FAP.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to both boys and girls of all ages who have familiar adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The research team will review each child's medical information carefully to make sure the study is a good fit for them.
To join, a child must have a confirmed diagnosis of FAP. This means doctors have already identified that they have this specific condition.
There might be other specific health requirements or conditions that would mean a child can't take part, which the study doctors will explain in detail. It's important to discuss your child's full medical history with the study team.
- Does your child have familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)?
- Are you considering a new treatment option for FAP?
- Is your child able to take tablets?
- Are you able to attend regular clinic appointments and follow-up visits?
- Are you comfortable with your child having colonoscopies as part of the study?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If your child takes part in this study, they will receive the study medicine, rapamycin, in the form of tablets to take. Over the course of the study, visits to the clinic will be needed for assessments to check your child's health and how the medicine is affecting them. These assessments will include carefully monitoring for any side effects. Your child will also have colonoscopies both at the beginning of the study and after receiving the medicine for six months. A colonoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to look inside the bowel to examine the polyps. The total duration of active treatment will be six months, with follow-up monitoring for about one month after the medicine is stopped. The clinical team will provide a detailed schedule of all visits and procedures.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- —France
Common questions
What is FAP?
FAP stands for familial adenomatous polyposis. It's a genetic condition that causes many growths called polyps to form in the large bowel, which can become cancerous if not treated.
What is rapamycin?
Rapamycin is the medicine being tested in this study. It's given as coated tablets and researchers want to see how safe it is and if it affects polyps in children with FAP.
Will my child have to have a colonoscopy?
Yes, children in this study will have colonoscopies before starting treatment and after six months of taking the medicine to check their polyps.
How long will the study last for my child?
Your child will take the study medicine for six months, and then be monitored for about one month after they stop taking it.
What if we change our minds about participating?
You are free to withdraw your child from the study at any time without having to give a reason, and it won't affect their regular medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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