Pharmacogenomics to Improve Supportive Care Symptoms.
This study aims to understand how your genetic information can help improve treatments that ease symptoms for people in palliative and supportive care. Researchers will collect a small blood sample to look at specific genes known to affect how certain medications work. They will then compare these genetic results with the medicines you are currently taking. The goal is to see if knowing your genetic profile can guide doctors to choose the most effective drugs for your symptoms, potentially leading to better comfort and quality of life during a serious or life-limiting illness. This research is observational, meaning it won't change your current treatment, but it will help us learn for the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you're dealing with a serious illness, palliative care focuses on making you as comfortable as possible by managing symptoms like pain or sickness. Medicines are a big part of this, but everyone is different, and what works well for one person might not be the best for another. This study is exploring a field called 'pharmacogenomics' – which simply means looking at how your genes might influence the way your body handles certain medications.
Researchers are interested in finding out if understanding a person's unique genetic code can help doctors pick the most effective medicines for them to manage symptoms. They will collect a small blood sample from people receiving palliative or supportive care. From this sample, they will look at specific genes that are known to affect how different drugs work. They will then compare these genetic results with the list of medicines you are currently prescribed.
The main idea is to see how often there's a link between your genes and the medicines you're taking. This information could be really valuable in the future, helping doctors to tailor treatments more precisely to each individual. The study is observational, so it won't change your current treatment, but it will help us learn important things that could lead to better and more personalised care for others in the future.
Key takeaways
- Exploring how genes influence medicine effectiveness in palliative care.
- Involves a simple blood test to gather genetic information.
- Your current medical treatment will not change.
- Aims to improve future symptom management for patients.
- Participation lasts up to 90 days or until palliative care with the service ends.
- Your genetic data will be kept confidential and anonymised for research.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You also need to have an illness that is serious and life-limiting, meaning it cannot be cured, and be receiving care for this condition at a specific University Teaching Hospital in England, UK.
This study is for people who are already receiving palliative or supportive care. This means that you are getting treatment focused on easing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
The main reason someone might not be able to join is if they are unable to give their informed consent to take part in research. However, there might be exceptions if a close family member or legal representative can provide consent on their behalf.
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.
- I am 18 years old or older.
- I have a serious, life-limiting condition.
- I am currently receiving palliative or supportive care at a specific University Teaching Hospital in England, UK.
- I am able to understand and agree to take part in this research (or have a consultee who can).
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the first step will involve providing a small blood sample, similar to a routine blood test. This sample will be used to look at specific genes that are relevant to how your body handles certain medicines. This is the only physical procedure involved.
Throughout the study, researchers will also look at your existing medical records from your local hospitals and GP to understand your health information and the medicines you're taking. Your participation will last for as long as you are receiving palliative care under this service, or for a maximum of 90 days from when you join, whichever comes first. There are no extra hospital visits or changes to your medication involved as part of this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeNorwich, United Kingdom
- The Manchester Centre for Genomic MedicineVerified postcodeManchester, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'pharmacogenomics'?
It's the study of how your genes can affect your body's response to medicines. Everyone reacts differently, and your genes play a role in that.
Will I get my genetic test results?
No, you will not receive individual results. This study is for research to help us understand patterns across a group of patients.
Will my current treatment change if I join?
No, your medical care and treatments will continue as normal. This study is observational and won't affect your doctors' decisions.
How long will I be involved in the study?
You'll be part of the study for as long as you're receiving palliative care under this service, up to a maximum of 90 days.
What happens to my blood sample?
Your blood sample will be stored securely, and genetic analysis will take place after all participants have been recruited and data collected.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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