RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Defects of Keratinocytes Function in Dermatologic Patients

This study focuses on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a long-term skin condition. Researchers believe that a very important process within our skin cells, called NOTCH signaling, doesn't work correctly in people with HS. This process helps control how skin cells grow, mature, and die off. At the moment, there aren't many specific treatments for HS, which can be very distressing for those affected. This project aims to learn more about exactly what goes wrong with these skin cells in HS. They will study cells taken from patients, and also special lab-grown skin cells, to understand the disease better and to test potential new treatments, like a type of light therapy. The goal is to find better ways to help people living with HS.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

IRCCS Burlo Garofolo

Enrolment target

Start

12 Oct 2020

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2024

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

What is this study about?

This research study is about a long-term skin condition called hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). If you have HS, you might experience painful lumps and boils, often in areas where skin rubs together, like the armpits or groin. Currently, we don't fully understand why HS develops, and effective treatments are limited. This can be very frustrating for people living with the condition.

The researchers in this study believe that a key part of our skin cells, tiny building blocks called keratinocytes, might not be working correctly in HS. Inside these cells, there's a vital communication system called 'NOTCH signaling,' which is like an instruction manual that tells the cells when to grow, how to mature, and when to die. In HS, this instruction manual seems to have errors, causing the cells to behave unusually. The goal of this study is to look closely at these cells to understand what's going wrong.

By understanding these problems better, the researchers hope to find new and more effective ways to treat HS. They will be studying skin cells taken directly from people with HS, as well as lab-grown skin cells. This will allow them to learn more about the condition and even test new potential therapies, such as a special kind of light therapy. Ultimately, this research aims to improve the lives of people affected by hidradenitis suppurativa.

Key takeaways

This study is researching hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
It aims to understand what goes wrong with skin cells in HS.
Researchers will study cells from patients and in the lab.
They also want to test new therapies, like light treatment.
The goal is to find better treatments for HS.
You must have an HS diagnosis to be considered for participation.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to have received a diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) from a doctor. This means a healthcare professional has confirmed that you have this particular skin condition.

There aren't many other specific rules mentioned for who can join. The study is open to both men and women of all ages.

The main reason someone might not be able to join is if they are not able to give their full and informed agreement to take part. This means you need to understand what the study involves and willingly agree to participate.

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.

Do I have a confirmed diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)?
Am I able to understand and agree to participate in a research study?
Do I currently live in the UK?
Am I willing to potentially provide skin or hair follicle samples?
Am I interested in contributing to research on HS, even if I don't directly benefit?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided doesn't give specific details about what taking part in this study would involve regarding visits, assessments, medication, or follow-up. However, it mentions that researchers will be trying to get 'in vitro models' from patients' hair follicles and from skin cells grown in the lab. This suggests that if you participate, you might be asked to provide samples, such as hair follicle samples, for the researchers to study.

The study also aims to test 'novel innovative therapies such as photobiomodulation therapy.' This means that some participants might be involved in receiving or testing new treatments like a special type of light therapy. The total duration of your involvement isn't specified, but the research is about understanding the disease and testing new treatments, which can often involve several appointments over a period of time.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part in this study include contributing to a better understanding of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), which could lead to improved treatments for future patients and potentially for yourself. You might also have the opportunity to access new, experimental therapies that aren't yet widely available. As with any medical study, there could be potential risks, such as discomfort from sample collection (e.g., hair follicle samples) or side effects if you receive a new treatment. However, researchers will explain all known risks to you before you decide to participate, and they will carefully monitor your health throughout the study. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (15)

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

Medical University Innsbruck
Verified postcode
Innsbruck, Austria· Completed
Université Libre de Bruxelles
Verified postcode
Brussels, Belgium· Recruiting
Université Paris Est-Créteil / INSERM U955- Mondor Institute For Biomedical Research (IMRB)
Verified postcode
Créteil, France· Active not recruiting
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France· Active not recruiting
Dessau Medical Cente
Verified postcode
Brandenburg, Germany· Not yet recruiting
Uniklinik Köln
Verified postcode
Cologne, Germany· Completed
Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinic
Verified postcode
Milan, Italy· Recruiting
Azienda ospedaliero-universitaria pisana
Verified postcode
Pisa, Italy· Recruiting
Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IRCCS
Verified postcode
Roma, Italy· Recruiting
Passion people
Verified postcode
Roma, Italy· Active not recruiting
Policlinico Universitario Fondazione A. Gemelli IRCCS
Verified postcode
Roma, Italy· Recruiting
Ospedale Maggiore di Trieste
Verified postcode
Trieste, Italy· Recruiting

Common questions

What is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)?

HS is a long-term skin condition that causes painful lumps, boils, and sometimes scars, usually in areas where skin rubs together like the armpits or groin.

What are keratinocytes?

Keratinocytes are the main type of cells that make up the outer layer of your skin. They help protect your body from the environment.

What does 'NOTCH signaling' mean?

It's a way for cells to 'talk' to each other and get instructions on how to grow, mature, and die. In HS, this communication seems to be faulty.

Will I get a new treatment in this study?

The study aims to test new therapies like light therapy, but it doesn't confirm everyone will receive one. It's primarily focused on understanding HS better.

Is this study only for certain ages?

No, the study is open to adults of all ages, both male and female, who have hidradenitis suppurativa.

How to find out more

Paola Maura Tricarico, BSc

paolamaura.tricarico@burlo.trieste.it +39 0403785111 Official trial record

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