APRIL (AbatacePt in Rheumatoid Arthritis-ILD) (NCT03084419) | Clinical Trial Compass
UnknownPhase 2
APRIL (AbatacePt in Rheumatoid Arthritis-ILD)
United Kingdom30 participantsStarted 2018-06-26
Plain-language summary
Early initiation of treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can prevent several of the long term problems associated with the condition. However, many RA patients develop lung inflammation and scarring, called 'interstitial lung disease' (RA-ILD), contributing to early death in 1 in 5 people. There is no proven treatment for these patients and some medications for RA can in fact worsen their lung disease. There is a need therefore to find safe medications that can not only control RA joint disease, but also prevent progression of RA-ILD. Abatacept is an approved drug for treating RA and is used widely. It is a newer RA medication, with a unique mechanism of action, and it has been shown to prevent progression of joint damage and improve physical function. The investigators aim to assess the safety of this medication in patients with RA-ILD and improve our understanding of the mechanism of lung damage in rheumatoid disease.
The investigators will perform a small clinical trial to assess the feasibility of performing a larger randomized controlled trial. A total of 30 patients with RA-ILD will be treated with abatacept infusions fortnightly for the first month, then every 4 weeks for a total of 20 weeks. In order to be eligible for the study, a patient must be able to provide written informed consent, be aged ≥18 years, and have interstitial lung disease that has not responded to or progressed over 6 months despite conventional immunosuppression. Change in lung function (forced vital capacity) at 24 weeks will be evaluated. To assess the mechanisms that may be involved with the development of ILD, the investigators will assess the effects of abatacept on biomarkers obtained from the blood and the lung (bronchoalveolar lavage), including markers of infection (the lung microbiome).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged 18 years or over
* Agree to use 2 acceptable forms of effective contraception for the duration of the study trial and a further 14 weeks after completion
* Meet a diagnosis of RA by 2010 EULAR/ACR criteria
* Have interstitial lung disease associated with RA, with supportive findings on their PFTs and CT Chest scans. Participants will be included if their ILD has progressed over 14 months. Progression will be defined as EITHER:
* A decrease in FVC by at least 5% when comparing two sets of PFTs done in the last 24 months, but with an interval of up to 14 months between the PFTs OR
* Progression of lung fibrosis on a high-resolution CT chest, as reported by a chest radiologist.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unable to provide informed written consent
* Participants who are taking other immunosuppressants, e.g. mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), unless this has been discontinued with an adequate washout period. The exceptions to this exclusion criterion are methotrexate (MTX) and hydroxychloroquine, which are allowed provided the dose has been stable for 6 weeks prior to baseline (visit 2).
* Participants who have been taking \> 10mg Prednisolone daily within the last 6 weeks prior to baseline (visit 2)
* Participants who have had rituximab, within the 24 weeks prior to baseline (Visit 2)
* Any participant with active signs or symptoms of infection at the baseline (visit 2) or requiring antibiotic treatment within the preceding 4 weeks
* Any participant with signif…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Timeframe: 28 weeks (Screening-V9)
Trial details
NCT IDNCT03084419
SponsorCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust