ON-FIRE study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Open Network for Frontotemporal dementia Inflammation REsearch
IRAS ID
341179
Contact name
Maura Malpetti
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS FT and University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
There are many types of dementia. This research studies the family of illnesses known as Frontotemporal type of dementia. This devastating group of illnesses change behaviour, language, and movement. Frontotemporal dementia often affects younger adults and runs in families. There is long running inflammation in the brain with Frontotemporal dementia – suggesting that anti-inflammatory treatments might slow or prevent decline. However, no two people are the same in their symptoms, or in what drives inflammation. For example, genetics, lifestyle, ethnicity and the immune system will affect the disease. Understanding these differences is crucial for new therapies.
Current ways to measure brain inflammation are invasive (spinal fluid) or very expensive (brain scans). We have discovered that special blood tests can also detect inflammation in Frontotemporal dementia. But these need to be tested in “real-world” settings, with people of all backgrounds.
We have set up a national study that aims to involve people with Frontotemporal dementia, collecting blood samples from specialist and non-specialist NHS clinics, including communities and remote areas that are too often under-represented in research. We will measure blood inflammation and look at genetic and environmental factors that influence it. Data will be securely shared with other research teams via the Dementias Platform UK. We will arrange sessions to engage people with dementia, carers, professionals, and people across diverse communities.
This project will find the best way to measure inflammation in people with Frontotemporal dementia, and its causes. The open network will also build collaborations and trusted relationships to facilitate clinical trials of new drugs.REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EE/0214
Date of REC Opinion
3 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion