A Study of Clinical and Immune Responses to Sequential Biologic Therapies in Psoriatic Arthritis
This study is for adults in the UK with psoriatic arthritis who are starting a new advanced medication called a biologic or targeted synthetic DMARD. Researchers want to understand how well these treatments work in a real-world setting, as part of your usual NHS care. They'll compare people who are trying these drugs for the first time with those who have tried other treatments before. They also want to see if special blood tests can help predict how well a treatment will work for you. By joining, you'd allow researchers to collect information from your regular clinic visits, answer some questionnaires, and give a few extra blood samples.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If you live with psoriatic arthritis, you might be considering or starting a new type of treatment called a biologic or targeted synthetic DMARD. These are advanced medicines designed to help reduce joint pain, swelling, and skin problems. This study, called STRIDE-PsA, aims to understand how well these treatments work for people like you in different situations.
Researchers are particularly interested in two main things. Firstly, they want to see if these treatments work differently for people who are trying them for the first time compared to those who have already tried other advanced treatments without full success. Secondly, they're looking at whether certain things in your blood, like 'anti-drug antibodies' (which are signs your body might be reacting to the medicine) or the actual level of the drug in your blood, can help predict if a treatment will work well for you. This could help doctors choose the best treatment for patients in the future.
This is an "observational" study, which means researchers will simply watch and collect information about your health as you go through your usual care. They won't ask you to do anything different from what your doctor would normally recommend. Your doctor will still make all decisions about your treatment. By gathering this information from many people, the study hopes to improve our understanding of psoriatic arthritis and its treatments for everyone.
Key takeaways
- It's an observational study, meaning you get your usual NHS care.
- It helps researchers understand how psoriatic arthritis treatments work.
- You'll provide information from your clinic visits, questionnaires, and a few blood samples.
- No new treatments or extra medications are given in this study.
- It lasts about one year, alongside your routine appointments.
- Your decision to join or leave the study won't affect your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult (aged 18 or older) who has been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. You also need to be starting a new advanced medication, like a biologic or targeted synthetic DMARD, as part of your usual treatment plan. It doesn't matter if this is your first time trying such a medication or if you've tried others before.
However, you wouldn't be able to join if you're only switching your medication for psoriasis (skin condition) or a back problem called spondyloarthritis, without also having active psoriatic arthritis. Also, if you're going back on a medication you've used before, you wouldn't be eligible. Lastly, if you are unable or unwilling to give your full permission to take part, you cannot join.
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 a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis?
- Are you about to start a new biologic or targeted synthetic DMARD treatment?
- Is this new treatment for your active psoriatic arthritis, not just for psoriasis or another back condition?
- Is this a brand new biologic/targeted synthetic DMARD you haven't used before?
What does participation involve?
If you choose to join this study, you would give your permission for researchers to collect information about your health. This involves allowing them to use information from your routine NHS clinic visits for psoriatic arthritis, which typically last about 52 weeks (one year). During these visits, your doctor will check your symptoms and how well your treatment is working, just like usual.
You would also be asked to fill in some questionnaires about your symptoms and how your condition affects your daily life. Additionally, you'd need to provide a few extra blood samples for research purposes. These will be taken at the start of the study and then again around 12 weeks later, often at the same time as your routine blood tests. There are no extra medications provided by the study; you'll receive your treatment as prescribed by your own doctor.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBath, United Kingdom
Common questions
Will I get access to a new treatment if I join?
No, this study doesn't provide new treatments. You'll receive the care and medication your own doctor chooses for you as part of your routine NHS treatment.
Do I have to take extra medication?
No, you will not have to take any extra medication for this study. You will take the medication prescribed by your own doctor.
How many times will I need to visit the hospital?
You'll attend your usual routine NHS appointments for your psoriatic arthritis. The study will collect information during these visits, so you won't need extra hospital trips just for the research.
Will the study tell me if my medication is working?
Your doctor will discuss how your medication is working with you as part of your usual care. The study aims to gather overall information about treatments, but individual results won't be given back to you.
Can I leave the study whenever I want?
Yes, you are completely free to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect your medical care.
How to find out more
James Kimpton, BA (Hons) BM BCh (oxon) MRCP
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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