MS-Bio
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Blood Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis – a non-interventional cohort study (Student Study)
IRAS ID
255434
Contact name
Jeremy Chataway
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2018/11/54, UCL Data Protection Registration Number
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
In patients who have an infection, we use blood tests for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. In multiple sclerosis (MS), however, no such blood tests are available, so currently we have to rely on the symptoms patients report, and brain scans. This process is costly, places a large burden on patients, and may mean we are missing damage to the nervous system not picked up on scans. This study will address if new blood tests can improve this.
Neurofilaments are the scaffolding proteins of the nervous system, and they are released into the blood when nerves are damaged. There is increasing evidence that monitoring blood levels of these proteins can accurately reveal damage in MS, predict future disease deteriorations, and be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments.
To date, information on neurofilaments in MS has come from looking back at previous drug trials, and, in hindsight, showing that neurofilament levels are associated with disease activity or treatments. There is an urgent need to take this forward by actively collecting this information from patients as they routinely attend NHS MS services, start treatments and develop new symptoms.
This study will recruit patients with MS, together with controls, who are attending NHS MS services at the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery due to symptom deterioration, changes to treatment, monitoring of their treatment or routine monitoring of their condition. Participants of other research studies may also be enrolled. We will collect blood samples to measure levels of neurofilament, or other similar tests, together with some information on their condition, but otherwise their usual care will be unchanged. At subsequent appointments will we repeat the blood tests. By comparing the blood tests to clinical assessments and scans, we will evaluate if the blood tests can improve the care of people with MS.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0462
Date of REC Opinion
4 Apr 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion