This Strategic Research Project is a translational proof-of-concept study that will determine whether vitamin D3 has potential to prevent recurrent tuberculosis (TB), as indicated by enhanced resolution of pulmonary inflammation detected using 18F-FDG PET-CT scanning. The extent of pulmonary inflammation detectable on PET-CT scanning is a validated biomarker that has previously been shown to predict risk of TB recurrence in patients taking anti-TB treatment. The investigators propose to explore whether vitamin D3 can enhance resolution of PET-CT-detectable pulmonary inflammation, on the basis of extensive preliminary data from in vitro studies and a Phase 2b clinical trial that the investigators have conducted, showing that high-dose vitamin D3 accelerates resolution of peripheral blood inflammatory responses in patients with pulmonary TB. Forty vitamin D-deficient patients who have completed 6 months' TB treatment, but who still have residual pulmonary inflammation detectable on PET-CT scanning, will be allocated to receive either an 8-week course of high-dose oral vitamin D3 supplementation or placebo during the study period. The extent of pulmonary inflammation on PET-CT scanning will be compared between intervention vs. control groups at 8-week follow-up. If the study shows a positive result, it will generate valuable proof-of-concept data that could be used to support an application to conduct a large phase 3 trial of vitamin D supplementation to prevent TB recurrence.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Mean maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) on PET-CT scanning at 8-week follow-up.
Timeframe: 8 weeks in total