Mapping B-cell Biology Across the Cardiovascular Territories of Giant Cell Arteritis: Towards a N… (NCT07269938) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Mapping B-cell Biology Across the Cardiovascular Territories of Giant Cell Arteritis: Towards a New Therapeutic Approach (RituxiMAP GCA)
United Kingdom30 participantsStarted 2026-10
Plain-language summary
B cells are a component of the immune system which appear be important in causing all forms of cardiovascular disease. Until now, it has not been possible to directly study these cells in living patients (essential to assess their potential as the target of new treatments). For the first time in any cardiovascular disease, this study will apply cutting edge scanning technology to visualise B cells in the blood vessels of giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients. GCA is a common and potentially deadly disorder of the blood vessels which is caused by abnormalities of the immune system. Current treatments are mainly limited to steroids. Unfortunately, these drugs bring tremendous side effects and so there is an urgent requirement to discover alternatives.
Laboratory investigations tell us that B cells are highly present in GCA and so if the proposed scanning technology fails to identify these cells in the blood vessels of participants, then the technology is unlikely to be useful for other cardiovascular diseases. If, however, the study does successfully visualise B cells, this knowledge could pave the way for clinical trials of B cell targeted treatments (already established in other conditions) as steroid alternatives in GCA.
This study aims to map the distribution of the radiotracer zirconium-89 labelled rituximab within the blood vessels of patients with newly diagnosed GCA and compare this with two separate control groups without the condition. This will allow us to determine the role of B cells within this condition, and whether patients would benefit from B cell-depleting treatments such as rituximab.
Who can participate
Age range
50 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
. Adults ≥ 50 years at the time of enrolment
. Meets 2022 American College of Rheumatology/EULAR classification criteria for giant cell arteritis
. Imaging evidence of active LV-GCA in the previous 4 weeks
. Will be managed with corticosteroid monotherapy by the standard care team.
. Adults ≥ 18 years at the time of enrolment
. Meets criteria for a diagnosis of a B-cell mediated immune disorder
. Considered to have active disease by referring team
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.
1This trial is described as Phase NA and is not yet recruiting — how close is it to opening, and would it even be worth bringing up at my next appointment given where I am in my GCA diagnosis and treatment?
2The trial seems focused on using a special imaging tracer called 89Zr-RTX to map where B-cells are active in the blood vessels — does that mean I'd be receiving a radioactive substance, and what are the known risks of that kind of scan for someone with my health history?
3Since this study appears to be about understanding B-cell biology in GCA rather than testing a new treatment directly, would participating give me any personal medical benefit, or is it mainly contributing to future research that might help others?
4Rituximab is already used in some autoimmune conditions — is it currently considered a standard or experimental option for my type of GCA, and should I explore that treatment path now rather than waiting for this study to open?
5Given that this trial is still in the planning stage and I need to manage my GCA now, what treatment approach would you recommend in the meantime, and how would joining a study like this fit around whatever therapy I'm already on?
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.