RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

IL17 Rate and Spondyloarthritis

This research focuses on an inflammatory condition called spondyloarthritis, which causes pain and stiffness in the joints, especially the spine. Doctors currently choose biological medicines based on general guidelines, but it's hard to know which one will work best for each individual. This study is testing a new approach: by looking at specific signals (called cytokines) in a blood sample after a special test, they hope to predict whether a particular biological medicine will be effective. The main goals are to see if this blood test is practical to do and if it can successfully show which treatment will help you feel better at three months. This could eventually lead to more personalised and effective treatment choices for people with spondyloarthritis.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2021

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2041

Spondylarthritis

What is this study about?

Spondyloarthritis is a type of arthritis that often affects the spine and other joints, causing pain and stiffness. For many people, everyday medicines like anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aren't enough to control their symptoms. When this happens, doctors often suggest biological medicines, which are powerful drugs that target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation. However, there are different types of biological medicines available, and it's currently very difficult for doctors to know which specific one will work best for each person.

This study aims to find a way to make that decision easier and more personal. The researchers are exploring a method where they take a blood sample and stimulate some of your immune cells. They then measure certain signals, called cytokines, that these cells produce. One specific cytokine they are interested in is IL-17, which plays a role in inflammation.

The main idea is to see if the levels or reactions of these cytokines in your blood can predict how well you will respond to a biological medicine. If successful, this could become a valuable tool that helps doctors choose the most effective biological treatment for you right from the start, potentially saving you time and discomfort from trying different medicines that might not work.

Key takeaways

Aims to predict the best biological medicine for spondyloarthritis.
Involves a blood test before starting treatment.
Might lead to more personalised treatment choices.
Focuses on people who haven't responded well to other medicines.
Could improve future care for spondyloarthritis patients.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants must:

* Have a diagnosis of spondyloarthritis that meets specific medical standards. * Be planning to start a new biological medicine because other treatments, like at least two different anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), haven't effectively controlled your condition. * Have active spondyloarthritis, meaning your symptoms are currently significant, as measured by a specific health score (BASDAI) that is above a certain level.

However, you cannot join if:

* Your main symptoms are not in your spine or other key areas usually affected by spondyloarthritis. * You have already received a biological medicine in the past. * You have any medical condition that would make it unsafe for you to take part in this specific study or receive these treatments (a doctor will confirm this).

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.

Do I have spondyloarthritis?
Am I preparing to start a new biological medicine?
Have I tried at least two different anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with limited success?
Are my spondyloarthritis symptoms currently active?
Have I never taken a biological medicine before?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it would involve providing a blood sample before you start your new biological medicine. Researchers will then conduct special tests on this blood sample. After three months of being on your new biological treatment, the study team will check in with you to see how you are responding to the medicine and how your symptoms have improved.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help advance our understanding of spondyloarthritis, leading to better treatment choices for future patients and possibly yourself. The main involvement for you is a routine blood draw, which carries minimal risks, such as temporary bruising or discomfort. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de NICE
Verified postcode
Nice, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is spondyloarthritis?

It's a type of arthritis that causes pain and stiffness, often affecting your spine and other joints.

What is a 'biological medicine'?

These are powerful modern drugs that target specific parts of your immune system to reduce inflammation in your joints.

What is the study hoping to find?

Researchers want to see if a special blood test can help predict which biological medicine will work best for you.

Do I have to stop my current treatment to join?

No, you must be planning to start a *new* biological treatment because your current approach isn't working well enough.

How long does the study last for me?

You'll provide a blood sample, and then the researchers will check your treatment response after three months.

How to find out more

Christian ROUX

roux.c2@chu-nice.fr +33492035491 Official trial record

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