Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Use of Urinary Dickkopf 3 (u DKK3) as a New Biomarker Which Can Identify Patients at High Risk of Renal Allograft Dysfunction, Earlier That the Current Established Tests.

This research is trying to find a better way to check on how well a transplanted kidney is working, especially in the first year after surgery. Currently, doctors use blood tests like creatinine to monitor kidneys, but these tests sometimes don't pick up warning signs until a problem is already developing. This study is investigating a new urine test that looks for a protein called DKK3. This protein is released by kidney cells when they are stressed or injured. Researchers want to see if higher levels of DKK3 in a patient's urine can predict future kidney problems much earlier than current tests. Finding potential issues sooner could help doctors make treatment adjustments to keep the new kidney working well for longer.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

258

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2027

Renal Transplant Failure

What is this study about?

When someone receives a kidney transplant, it's really important for doctors to keep a close eye on how well the new kidney is working, especially in the first year. This is because there's a risk that the kidney might not function as well as it should, which could lead to more serious problems or even the loss of the transplanted kidney. Currently, doctors mainly use blood tests, like checking creatinine levels, to see how the kidney is doing. However, these tests might not show small changes soon enough, meaning doctors might not know there's a problem until it's more advanced.

This study is looking into a new and simpler way to detect potential kidney issues much earlier. Researchers are focusing on a protein called Dickkopf-3 (DKK3), which is found in urine. When kidney cells are under stress or get injured, they can release this protein. The idea is that if doctors can find higher levels of DKK3 in a patient's urine, it might act as an early warning sign that the transplanted kidney is starting to struggle, even before current tests show a problem.

The main goal is to see if this DKK3 urine test can identify people who are at higher risk of their transplanted kidney not working well, earlier than we can now. If it proves to be effective, this new test could help doctors make quicker decisions about treatment, which could ultimately help transplanted kidneys last longer and improve the health of people who have had a kidney transplant.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find a new urine test for early detection of kidney transplant problems.
It focuses on a protein called DKK3, which may be an early warning sign of kidney stress.
The goal is to identify kidney issues sooner than current standard tests.
Earlier detection could help doctors adjust treatment to protect the transplanted kidney.
The study involves providing urine samples over a 12-month period after transplant.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you must have received a kidney transplant. The researchers are looking for information about your kidney function, including blood test results for creatinine and eGFR, collected over 12 months at specific times: one week, three months, six months, and twelve months after your transplant.

This study is for adults generally between the ages of 17 and 75, and both men and women can participate. The researchers need this specific information to compare the new DKK3 test with existing ways of monitoring kidney health.

However, if you received both a kidney and a pancreas transplant, or if some of your kidney function blood test results (creatinine, eGFR) from those specific time points (one week, three, six, or twelve months after transplant) are missing, then unfortunately you won't be able to join this particular study.

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.

Have I had a kidney transplant?
Am I between 17 and 75 years old?
Do I have my kidney function test results (creatinine, eGFR) from 1 week, 3, 6, and 12 months after my transplant?
Did I only receive a kidney transplant (not a kidney and pancreas transplant)?
Are all my kidney function results from those specific time points available?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves analysing urine samples collected over a 12-month period. You would provide multiple urine samples at specific times: one week, three months, six months, and twelve months after your kidney transplant. The study team will compare the results of the DKK3 protein test in your urine with your standard blood test results (like creatinine and eGFR) that your doctors already collect to monitor your kidney. You won't need to take any new medication specifically for this study. The total duration of your participation would be 12 months, based on the collection of these urine samples.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information gathered could help improve care for future kidney transplant patients by potentially leading to earlier detection of kidney problems. As this study mainly involves providing urine samples and using existing medical information, the risks are expected to be very low. There are no new medications or invasive procedures directly involved. You are free to decide whether or not to participate, and you can withdraw from the study at any time 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.

Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is DKK3?

DKK3 (Dickkopf-3) is a protein that kidney cells can release, especially when they are under stress or injured. This study is looking at whether finding DKK3 in urine can be an early sign of kidney problems.

How is this different from my usual kidney checks?

Your usual checks, like blood tests, are very important. This study is looking at a new urine test for DKK3 to see if it can spot changes even earlier than current blood tests do, potentially helping doctors act sooner.

Will this new test change my treatment?

This study is for research purposes to see if the DKK3 test works. It won't directly change your current treatment, but if successful, it could lead to new ways of monitoring in the future.

Do I need to do anything special to prepare for urine samples?

The study should provide specific instructions for collecting your urine samples. You likely won't need any special preparation beyond typical clean catch instructions if provided.

What if I get sick during the study?

Your regular medical care should continue as normal. If you become unwell, you should always contact your healthcare team. This study is focused on monitoring and won't interfere with your ongoing treatment.

How to find out more

Geeta Hampson, MD

geeta.hampson@kcl.ac.uk 02071887188 Official trial record

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