RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

From Genetics to Transcriptomics to Unravel the Mechanisms Behind a Poor Outcome in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be very different from person to person – some might have mild symptoms, while others experience a more severe form. This study wants to find out why. Researchers believe these differences might be hidden in our bodies at a tiny level, like in our genes and cells. They are collecting blood samples from people who have MS, both those with aggressive forms and those with milder forms, as well as healthy volunteers. By carefully looking at these samples, they hope to identify specific molecules or cell types that are different in people with aggressive MS, especially early in the disease. This could help us understand the disease better and potentially lead to new ways to help people with MS in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Nantes University Hospital

Enrolment target

130

Start

24 Jan 2022

Estimated completion

24 Jul 2029

Multiple Sclerosis

What is this study about?

Imagine MS like a chameleon – it changes its colours for everyone, making it hard to predict how it will behave. For some, it might be a gentle condition that doesn't cause much trouble, while for others, it can be much more severe and quickly lead to difficulties. Scientists call this 'heterogeneity', meaning it's very varied and different.

This study is like a detective story, trying to uncover the hidden reasons behind these differences. Researchers believe the clues might be found inside our bodies, specifically in our DNA and the tiny cells that make up our immune system, like different types of 'T' and 'B' cells. They want to look closely at these clues very early on in the disease, comparing samples from people with aggressive MS to those with milder MS, and also to healthy individuals who don’t have MS.

By doing this, they hope to identify specific molecules or groups of cells that are present in different amounts in people with more aggressive MS. Finding these differences could be a big step towards understanding why some people have a tougher time with MS and could eventually help doctors predict how the disease might progress for an individual. It might even open doors to developing new treatments tailored to different types of MS.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand why MS varies so much between people.
Researchers are looking at blood samples to find genetic and cellular differences.
They hope to find clues that explain aggressive versus non-aggressive MS.
This could lead to better understanding and potentially future treatments.
Participation involves providing a single blood sample.
You won't receive extra medication or treatments as part of this study.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be 18 or older. If you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS), you might be able to take part if you have a condition called Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS), which can sometimes be the first sign of MS, and you have health insurance. The study includes people with MS whose disease has been more aggressive (meaning they needed stronger treatment early on) and those whose disease has been less aggressive (meaning they might not have converted to full MS yet, or were treated with standard first-line therapies).

If you don't have MS, you can join as a healthy volunteer if you are 18 or older and have no history of CIS or MS. The researchers will try to match healthy volunteers to people with MS based on their age (within a 5-year range) and sex to make the comparisons fair.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn’t be able to join. For example, you can't be taking part in another study at the same time, or be pregnant. You also can't have taken certain strong medications like immunosuppressants, plasma exchange, or high-dose steroids in the weeks leading up to the blood sample. It's also important that you are happy for your genetic information to be analysed.

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 health insurance?
If you have MS, have you had a Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)?
Are you NOT currently in another research study?
Are you NOT pregnant?
Have you avoided strong immunosuppressants or steroids in the last 4 weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the main thing you'd be asked to do is provide a blood sample. This is generally a quick procedure, similar to giving blood for routine tests. There are no specific medications you would be given as part of this study, nor any extra doctor's visits beyond what you would normally have for your MS care. The researchers will be collecting and analysing information from your blood sample and your medical records. The total duration of your direct involvement would likely be very short, largely limited to the time it takes to get your blood sample.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is that you would be contributing to important research that could lead to a better understanding of Multiple Sclerosis. This deeper understanding could eventually help other people with MS in the future, by paving the way for better diagnosis or treatments. The risks of taking part are generally low, mainly involving the discomfort or bruising that can happen when giving a blood sample. Your decision to participate is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Nantes University Hospital
Verified postcode
Nantes, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'aggressive MS'?

In this study, 'aggressive MS' means that someone needed a stronger type of treatment (second-line therapy) within two years of their first MS-like symptoms.

What is 'non-aggressive MS'?

For this study, 'non-aggressive MS' means either not progressing to full MS within two years of initial symptoms, or being managed with standard first-line treatments within that time.

Will I receive any new treatment in this study?

No, this study is about collecting information and samples, not testing new treatments. You won't be given any new medications or interventions.

How much blood will they take?

The study involves collecting a biological sample, which typically means a blood sample, similar to what you might give for routine medical tests.

Will my doctors know if I participate?

Your participation is discussed with the research team. You would usually sign a consent form, and your medical team may be aware, but your privacy and data will be protected.

How to find out more

David LAPLAUD, PhD

david.laplaud@chu-nantes.fr 33 2 40 16 52 00 Official trial record

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