PHAGEinLYON Clinic Cohort Study: a Descriptive Study of Severe Infections Treated With Phage Therapy at the HCL.
Doctors in Lyon, France, are studying a specialised treatment called phage therapy for severe infections. This study, called PHAGEinLYON, is looking at patients who received this treatment at the Hospices Civils de Lyon hospital between 2015 and 2033. The main goal is to understand more about the types of serious infections treated with phage therapy and how patients responded. They are collecting information from existing patient records and will also include new patients over time. This isn't a study where patients are given new drugs or treatments; instead, it's about carefully observing and describing the experiences of up to 250 patients who have already been, or will be, treated with phage therapy as part of their regular care for a severe infection. It aims to help doctors learn more about this specific type of infection treatment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called PHAGEinLYON, is being carried out by a hospital in Lyon, France, called Hospices Civils de Lyon. It focuses on a unique treatment for severe infections called 'phage therapy'. A severe infection is a very serious illness caused by germs like bacteria, which can make people very unwell and sometimes be difficult to treat with standard antibiotics.
Phage therapy uses something called 'bacteriophages' – often shortened to 'phages'. These are tiny viruses that naturally infect and kill specific bacteria, but they can't harm human cells. So, in phage therapy, these helpful phages are used like a targeted medicine to fight off infections where other treatments might not be working as well.
The study isn't about testing a new treatment. Instead, it's like gathering a very detailed report. Doctors are looking back at the records of patients who were treated with phage therapy since 2015, and they will continue to collect information from new patients receiving this therapy up until 2033. The main aim is to carefully describe the types of severe infections these patients had and how phage therapy was used. This will help doctors and researchers understand more about how phage therapy works in real-life situations for very ill patients.
Key takeaways
- This study is about understanding how phage therapy works for very serious infections.
- It's happening in a hospital in Lyon, France, looking at patient information from 2015 to 2033.
- You won't get new treatments as part of this study; it's about observing existing care.
- The information gathered could help improve future treatments for severe infections.
- Your decision to take part, or not, won't affect your medical care.
- It aims to describe patient experiences, not test new drugs.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to have been a patient at the Hospices Civils de Lyon hospital in France at some point between January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2033. During your time there, you must have received 'bacteriophage' treatment for a severe infection.
Also, you or your legal guardian (if applicable) would need to be given information about the PHAGEinLYON study and agree to be part of it. This means you would understand what the study is about and give your permission for your information to be used.
If you don't want your information included, or if you change your mind at any point, you can choose not to participate. This would be the only reason you wouldn't be included if you otherwise fit the other requirements.
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.
- Were you, or will you be, a patient at Hospices Civils de Lyon hospital between 2015 and 2033?
- Did you receive phage therapy for a severe infection at that hospital?
- Have you been given information about the PHAGEinLYON study?
- Are you willing to have your medical information (anonymously) shared for this research?
- Are you comfortable with your doctors using your medical records for a study?
What does participation involve?
This study is different from many others because it's an 'observational' study. This means you won't be given any new or experimental medications as part of the study itself. If you're included, it's because you already received phage therapy for a severe infection as part of your regular medical care at the Hospices Civils de Lyon hospital. The study simply involves collecting information that already exists in your medical records, or information that will be gathered as part of your ongoing treatment if you are a new patient receiving phage therapy.
There are no extra hospital visits, assessments, or follow-up appointments specifically for this study. You won't be asked to take any study medication. Your participation simply means that information about your severe infection and your treatment with phage therapy will be part of the anonymous data collected to help researchers understand more about this treatment. The total duration of your 'participation' for the study refers to the period your medical records cover, from your treatment until the end of the study in 2033.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases of the Croix Rousse Hospital of the Civil Hospitals of LyonVerified postcodeLyon, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'severe infection'?
A severe infection is a very serious illness caused by germs that can make you extremely unwell and might be difficult to treat with usual medicines.
What is 'phage therapy'?
Phage therapy is a treatment that uses special viruses called 'bacteriophages' to kill harmful bacteria that cause infections. These viruses only attack bacteria and don't harm human cells.
Will I get new treatment if I join this study?
No, this study only collects information from patients who have already received or will receive phage therapy as part of their usual medical care. You won't be given any experimental treatments as part of the study.
Where is this study taking place?
This study is taking place at the Hospices Civils de Lyon hospital in Lyon, France.
Can I change my mind about participating?
Yes, you can decide not to have your information used in the study, or withdraw your permission at any time. This will not affect your medical care.
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
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.