RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Health Impact of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Pulmonary Disease (NTM-PD)

This study investigates the real-world impact of a lung condition called Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Pulmonary Disease (NTM-PD) on people's health. NTM are common germs in soil and water that can cause lung infections, especially in those with existing lung problems like bronchiectasis. The number of people with NTM-PD is rising, and treatment can be challenging. Researchers want to identify the most troublesome symptoms for people with NTM-PD and what kind of care they prefer. They'll also compare their health needs to those of people with bronchiectasis who don't have NTM-PD, to see if non-drug approaches like exercise and nutrition help differently. The findings will help improve understanding and tailor support for people with NTM-PD.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

Start

14 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Pulmonary Disease Bronchiectasis

What is this study about?

Imagine tiny germs commonly found in soil and water all around us. Most of the time, these don't cause any problems. But for some people, especially those already living with long-term lung conditions like bronchiectasis (a condition where airways become stretched and scarred), these germs can cause a lasting lung infection called Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Pulmonary Disease, or NTM-PD. We're seeing more and more people affected by NTM-PD, and it can be quite tricky to manage, often needing long courses of strong medicines.

While there are many non-drug ways to help manage lung conditions like bronchiectasis – such as breathing exercises, staying active, eating well, and getting support for your mental health – we don't know much about how effective these are for people with NTM-PD. We also aren't sure if people with NTM-PD have different health needs compared to someone with bronchiectasis alone. This study aims to shed light on these questions. We want to hear directly from people with NTM-PD about their most bothersome symptoms and what kind of care they value most.

By comparing people with NTM-PD to those with bronchiectasis without NTM, this research aims to understand any differences in health challenges and how non-drug support might be most helpful. The ultimate goal is to improve our understanding of NTM-PD, so we can guide future research and develop better, more tailored support for those living with this condition.

Key takeaways

This study investigates what it's like to live with NTM-PD.
It compares the health and care needs of people with NTM-PD to those with bronchiectasis.
Participation involves a single, one-hour visit to one NHS centre.
You'll complete questionnaires and simple physical tests.
The aim is to improve understanding and future care for people with NTM-PD.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be 18 years or older and able to understand and agree to take part. The study is looking for two groups of people: one group with NTM-PD and another group with bronchiectasis but no NTM infection.

If you have NTM-PD, your diagnosis must be confirmed using specific guidelines, and you shouldn't be currently taking antibiotics for your NTM-PD, or have taken them within the last two weeks. If you have bronchiectasis, this must be confirmed by your doctor and scans, and you must never have had a positive test for NTM. Your latest negative NTM test result needs to be fairly recent or from this year.

Unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to join if you are under 18, cannot give your consent, haven't had a confirmed diagnosis for NTM-PD or bronchiectasis as per the study's requirements, or are currently receiving antibiotic treatment for NTM-PD. Also, if you have other ongoing serious chronic lung diseases apart from bronchiectasis, you might not be eligible.

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 or older?
Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of NTM-PD, or bronchiectasis without NTM?
If you have NTM-PD, are you currently NOT taking antibiotics for it, or haven't in the last two weeks?
If you have bronchiectasis, have you never had a positive NTM test, or had a negative one recently?
Are you able to provide your consent to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit one NHS hospital for a single assessment, which should take no longer than one hour. You'll be asked to complete questionnaires about your physical and mental health, and your eating habits (nutritional status). You'll also do some simple tests to check your exercise capacity, muscle strength, and how much muscle and fat your body has. There are no medications involved in this study, and no follow-up visits are required after your one assessment. The study aims to recruit participants over about six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information you provide will be very valuable. It will help doctors and researchers better understand the specific needs of people with NTM-PD, which could lead to improved care and more effective treatments in the future. The main 'risk' is the time commitment of about an hour and answering personal questions, which some may find tiring. Rest assured, all your information will be kept confidential. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is NTM-PD?

NTM-PD stands for Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Pulmonary Disease. It's a lung infection caused by common germs found in the environment, different from the germs that cause standard tuberculosis.

Are the germs that cause NTM-PD contagious?

No, NTM aren't spread from person to person. You can't 'catch' NTM-PD from someone who has it.

What will I have to do if I join the study?

You'll have one visit, lasting about an hour, where you'll fill out questionnaires and do some simple physical tests. No drugs or extra appointments are involved.

Will this study cure my NTM-PD or bronchiectasis?

This study is for research purposes only; it's not a treatment. Its goal is to gather information to help improve care for others in the future.

Can my regular doctor find out if I participated?

Your participation is confidential. The study will not share your personal information with your regular doctor without your permission.

How to find out more

Naif S Sulaiman, PhD Candidate

naif.sulaiman.22@ucl.ac.uk +44 20 7794 0500 Official trial record

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