RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Immunophenotyping of Blood Cells in the Diagnosis Work-up of Myelodysplastic Syndromes

This research is investigating a new approach to diagnose Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), a type of blood disorder. Currently, diagnosing MDS often involves looking at bone marrow samples. The study wants to see if a special blood test, called 'flow cytometry,' can help identify MDS more simply and accurately. Researchers will be looking at different features of blood cells to see if they can create a scoring system based on this blood test. The aim is to find a way to distinguish MDS from other, less serious blood conditions. If successful, this could mean fewer people, especially older patients, would need to have a bone marrow test, making the diagnostic process easier and less invasive.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens

Enrolment target

300

Start

15 Jun 2018

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2024

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

What is this study about?

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are a group of conditions where your body doesn't make enough healthy blood cells. This can lead to problems like anaemia (low red blood cells), easy bruising or bleeding (low platelets), or frequent infections (low white blood cells). Diagnosing MDS usually involves looking very closely at blood and bone marrow samples under a microscope, which can be a detailed and sometimes uncomfortable process.

This study is exploring a new way to help diagnose MDS. Researchers are using a special blood test called 'flow cytometry.' This test looks at the tiny features and characteristics of different types of cells in your blood. Previous smaller studies have shown that certain markers on blood cells might be different in people with MDS compared to those without it.

The main goal of this research is to bring together the most promising of these markers and test them in a larger group of patients. The idea is to develop a scoring system based on this simple blood test. If this scoring system works well, it could help doctors tell the difference between MDS and other less serious blood conditions more easily. Ultimately, this might mean that fewer people, especially older patients, would need to have a bone marrow test, making the diagnosis process simpler and less invasive.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find a new way to diagnose Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS).
It uses a special blood test called 'flow cytometry' to look at blood cells.
The goal is to develop a scoring system to help distinguish MDS from other conditions.
Participation involves using blood and bone marrow samples already planned for your diagnosis.
This research could potentially reduce the need for bone marrow tests in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. You would also need to have at least one type of blood cell count that is lower than normal. This could mean your red blood cells (leading to tiredness), platelets (affecting clotting), or white blood cells (affecting immunity) are below certain levels.

Importantly, for this study, your doctor would already be suspecting you might have MDS, and you would be scheduled to have a bone marrow test and other assessments to check for this condition. The study will then use the results of your bone marrow test to sort participants into groups: those who are diagnosed with MDS and those who are not.

You would not be able to join if you have received a blood transfusion (red blood cells or platelets) within the last three months, as this could affect the blood test results they are looking at.

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?
Has your doctor told you that your blood counts (red, white, or platelets) are lower than normal?
Is your doctor already planning for you to have a bone marrow test because they suspect MDS?
Have you NOT had a blood transfusion (red cells or platelets) in the last three months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be given some initial information about it by your doctor. The main part of your involvement will be allowing researchers to use the blood sample that your doctor would already be taking as part of your routine medical care. They will use this sample to perform the special 'flow cytometry' test. You will also have a bone marrow test, which your doctor would have already planned for you due to a suspicion of MDS. The results of this bone marrow test will help the researchers understand if the 'flow cytometry' test accurately reflects your diagnosis. There are no additional visits or medications specifically for this study beyond your regular medical care. The total duration of your participation would likely align with the time it takes to get your diagnosis.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no significant new risks from participating in this study, as it uses blood and bone marrow samples that would be collected as part of your usual medical investigation for MDS. The potential benefits for you personally are limited, but your participation could help improve future diagnostic methods for MDS, potentially making the process easier for others. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without this affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

CHU Amiens-Picardie
Verified postcode
Amiens, France· Recruiting
CHRU Lille
Verified postcode
Lille, France· Not yet recruiting
CHU Rouen
Verified postcode
Rouen, France· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is MDS?

MDS stands for Myelodysplastic Syndromes. It's a condition where your body doesn't produce enough healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.

What is 'flow cytometry'?

It's a special blood test that looks at the unique features of your blood cells to help identify different types of cells and any changes in them.

Will I need extra tests or appointments?

No, this study uses samples from tests you would already be having as part of your normal medical care when doctors are looking into your condition.

Why is this study important?

It could help find a simpler, less invasive way to diagnose MDS in the future, possibly reducing the need for bone marrow tests for some patients.

Will this study affect my treatment?

No, this study is about diagnosis, not treatment. Your medical care and treatment decisions will be made by your doctors as usual.

How to find out more

Loïc Garçon, PD

garcon.loic@chu-amiens.fr 33 3 22 08 70 56 Official trial record

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