RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Sex and Gender-based Analysis of the Effectiveness of Advanced Therapies in Psoriatic Arthritis

This study aims to understand why advanced treatments for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) might work differently for men and women. PsA is a type of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis. Researchers believe that both biological differences and social factors could play a role in how well these treatments work. Over 500 men and women with active PsA from around 30 hospitals worldwide will take part. They will be checked before starting new advanced treatments and again a few months later. Doctors will see how well the treatment is working. By comparing men and women, the study hopes to find out more about what causes these differences in treatment response, leading to better care for everyone with PsA.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Women's College Hospital

Enrolment target

540

Start

23 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Psoriatic Arthritis

What is this study about?

If you have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you might be interested in a new international study. This study is trying to understand why advanced treatments for PsA, like certain medications, might work differently for men and women. For example, some treatments might be more effective or have different side effects for one gender compared to the other. By looking into these differences, the researchers hope to make future treatments better and more tailored for everyone.

Around 540 people from about 30 different hospitals worldwide will be involved in this study. They will all have active PsA and be about to start a new advanced treatment for their joint problems. The team will collect information about their health, lifestyle, and how they respond to treatment. This includes checking their symptoms, and asking questions about their experiences and background.

The main goal is to find out if there are biological reasons (like how bodies work) or social and cultural reasons (like lifestyle choices or how society treats different genders) that explain why men and women might respond differently to the same PsA treatment. Understanding these factors could help doctors choose the best treatment for each person in the future, ultimately improving how psoriatic arthritis is managed.

Key takeaways

Study focused on psoriatic arthritis and advanced treatments.
Investigating if treatments work differently for men and women.
Involves men and women starting new medications for their PsA.
Aims to improve future PsA treatments for everyone.
Participation involves two doctor visits over a few months.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. A rheumatologist must have officially diagnosed you with psoriatic arthritis using specific medical guidelines (called CASPAR criteria).

You also need to have active psoriatic arthritis that affects your joints, fingers, toes, or where tendons attach to bone. This will be checked by a doctor. Importantly, you must be planning to start a new 'advanced' treatment specifically for these joint problems.

There are a few reasons you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you can't read or write, or if you can't come back for a follow-up appointment. You also can't be in the study if you're pregnant, or if you're taking the advanced drug for something other than active psoriatic arthritis, like just psoriasis or a bowel condition.

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 a specialist doctor diagnosed you with psoriatic arthritis?
Do you have active joint pain, swelling, or stiffness from psoriatic arthritis?
Are you about to start a new 'advanced' medication for your psoriatic arthritis?
Are you able to attend two follow-up appointments?
Are you currently not pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll have two in-person doctor visits. The first visit will be before you start your new advanced medication, up to three months beforehand. The second visit will be three to six months after you've started the new medication.

During these visits, doctors will check your psoriatic arthritis symptoms and ask you questions about your health and lifestyle. This will help them understand how your treatment is working for you. The study will also keep track of whether you're still taking the study medication after one year.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't change the medical care you receive, as you'll be getting the advanced treatment your doctor has already decided is best for you. However, the information gathered could help improve treatments for others with psoriatic arthritis in the future. As with any medical study, there's a small chance of inconvenience from the extra appointments or questions. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Women's College Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'psoriatic arthritis'?

It's a type of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

What are 'advanced therapies'?

These are newer, often stronger medications used when standard treatments for psoriatic arthritis haven't worked well enough.

Will I get a new medicine if I join?

No, you'll be taking the medicine your doctor has already planned for you as part of your regular care.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll have two main visits within six months, and the study will follow up on your medication use for about a year.

Who is running this study?

It's an international study involving many hospitals and doctors specialising in psoriatic arthritis.

How to find out more

Fahmeen Afgani, MBBS

fahmeen.afgani@wchospital.ca 1-416-323-6400 Official trial record

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