The CCP Study: Coordinated Programme to Prevent Arthritis - Can We Identify Arthritis at a Pre-clinical Stage ?
The Coordinated Programme to Prevent Arthritis (CCP Study) is investigating if we can spot arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, at a very early stage, even before you feel definite symptoms. We know that treating arthritis early can lead to better long-term health. This study will follow people for 12 months, and some for up to 10 years, to see if certain clues can help doctors identify who might develop arthritis. These clues could be things like new joint aches, or having a family member with rheumatoid arthritis. The goal is to improve how we find and help people affected by this condition much sooner.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called the CCP Study, is all about trying to find arthritis, specifically rheumatoid arthritis, at its earliest possible stage. We know that if arthritis is diagnosed and treated early, people often have much better outcomes in the long run. At the moment, it can sometimes take a while for people to get a diagnosis, and by then, some damage may have already occurred.
Researchers understand that people who go on to develop rheumatoid arthritis often have some mild aches and pains in their joints or muscles for months or even years beforehand, even if they're not serious enough to be a clear sign of arthritis. Also, if someone in your family has rheumatoid arthritis, you might have a slightly higher chance of developing it yourself. This study is trying to put these pieces of information together to see if we can identify changes in the body that appear before full-blown arthritis symptoms begin.
The study will follow volunteers over time to see who develops arthritis and what early signs or tests might have predicted it. If we can get better at spotting these early signs, doctors could potentially offer treatments sooner, which would make a big difference to people's lives.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to find arthritis at its very earliest stages.
- Early detection of arthritis can lead to better long-term health.
- You won't receive new medication as part of this observation study.
- Ideal for those with new joint aches or a family history of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Participation involves regular clinic visits and monitoring.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are over 18 years old and capable of understanding and signing a consent form. Eligibility depends on how you are referred to the study.
If you are referred by your GP or a musculoskeletal clinic, you need to have a new ache or pain in your joints or muscles that you haven't told your doctor about before, or you might have a family member with rheumatoid arthritis. You cannot join if you already have obvious swelling in your joints or if a doctor has already diagnosed you with rheumatoid arthritis using specific criteria.
If you are referred by a Rheumatology Clinic, you would also need a new ache or pain in your joints or muscles and already have a positive blood test for a marker called 'CCP antibody' (which is linked to rheumatoid arthritis). You cannot join if your CCP test was negative or if you already have a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have a new ache or pain in your joints or muscles?
- Or, do you have a close family member with rheumatoid arthritis?
- Have you NOT been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis already?
- Are you able to understand and sign a consent form?
- If referred by a rheumatologist, have you had a positive CCP antibody blood test?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you take part, you'll be involved for about 12 months, though the study itself will run for about 10 years in total. During this time, you will have regular visits to the clinic. If you haven't developed inflammatory arthritis within the first 12 months, you might be offered the chance to continue coming for yearly check-ups, with extra visits arranged if needed, until arthritis develops or the study ends. The study plans to observe your health over time, so it's mainly about monitoring and assessment, rather than receiving new medications.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Chapel Allerton Hospital : Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal MedicineLeeds, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'pre-clinical' arthritis?
It means the very early stage of arthritis, even before clear symptoms appear, but when the body might be showing subtle signs.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
It's a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.
Do I have to take any new medicines in this study?
No, this is an observational study, which means you won't be given any new medicines as part of your participation.
How long will I be involved?
You will be actively involved for about 12 months, but if you don't develop arthritis, you might be offered annual follow-up until it develops or for up to 10 years.
What is a 'new musculoskeletal complaint'?
It's any new joint or muscle symptom, like a new ache or pain, that you haven't told your GP about before.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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