Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

GOut TrEatment STrategy (GO TEST) FINALE study, a multicentre pragmatic randomized superiority trial of continuation versus cessation of urate lowering therapies in gout in remission.

The GO TEST FINALE study aims to find the best long-term treatment strategy for people whose gout is currently well-controlled. If your gout is in remission (meaning you haven't had recent flare-ups), doctors are trying to understand if you should continue taking your existing gout medicines, like allopurinol, benzbromarone, or febuxostat, or if it's safe and beneficial to stop them. This study will follow participants for 24 months, observing how many remain free from gout flare-ups over the last six months of the study. It's a large study involving many different clinics, designed to give clear answers to this important question for gout patients in the UK.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Sint Maartenskliniek

Enrolment target

310

Start

09 Jul 2024

Gout

What is this study about?

The GO TEST FINALE study is a very important research project looking into the best way to manage gout for the long term. Many people take medication to keep their gout under control, and when it's settled and they're not having flare-ups, it's called being in 'remission'. This study wants to find out what happens if these people either continue taking their gout medication or if they stop taking it.

The main goal is to see if continuing your medication, even when you feel well, is better than stopping it. Researchers will be comparing different common gout medicines, such as allopurinol, benzbromarone, and febuxostat. This research is a 'Phase IV' study, which means these are already approved medications and doctors are studying the best way to use them in real-world situations, rather than testing completely new drugs.

The results of this study could help doctors make clearer recommendations about how long people should take their gout medication after their condition has settled. This could make a big difference to how gout is managed for many people across the UK, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary medication or preventing future flare-ups.

Key takeaways

The study explores if people with well-controlled gout can safely stop their medication.
It lasts for two years and compares continuing vs. stopping standard gout medicines.
Participation involves regular check-ups to monitor your gout.
It aims to provide important answers for long-term gout management.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, 18 years old or older. There is no upper age limit, so people of all adult ages can take part.

This study is for both men and women, as gout can affect anyone.

Most importantly, you must have gout that is currently well-controlled, meaning you haven't had recent flare-ups and your doctor considers it to be in remission. The study will look more closely at your specific medical history to make sure it's suitable for you.

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 a diagnosis of gout?
Is your gout currently well-controlled (in remission)?
Are you currently taking medication for your gout?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you will be randomly put into one of two groups: one group will continue taking their current gout medication, and the other group will stop taking it. You won't get to choose which group you are in, as this helps make the study fair.

You will be followed for a total of two years (24 months). During this time, you'll have regular check-ups and assessments, likely at your local clinic, to see how your gout is doing. These check-ups will help the study team understand if your gout stays in remission, or if you have any flare-ups.

The study will focus on what happens in the last six months of the two-year period. You'll need to attend all scheduled appointments so that the researchers can get a full picture of your health and the effects of the treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit of understanding whether stopping your gout medication is appropriate, possibly reducing the number of medicines you take. However, there's also a potential risk that if you stop medication, your gout could worsen or you might experience flare-ups. If you continue medication, you might experience side effects, though these are known for these established drugs. All medical procedures carry some risks, and the study team will monitor you closely. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Netherlands

Common questions

What kind of medication will I be taking?

You'll either continue taking your current gout medication (like allopurinol, benzbromarone, or febuxostat) or stop taking it, depending on which group you're in.

How long will the study last if I join?

The study will follow you for a total of two years (24 months).

Will I have to pay for anything if I'm in the study?

Usually, clinical trials cover the costs related to the study, such as specific medications or appointments. This should be confirmed by the study team.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are completely free to withdraw from the study at any point, and it won't affect your regular medical care.

What does 'gout in remission' mean?

It means your gout is currently well-controlled, and you haven't had any recent gout flare-ups or symptoms.