Active research

If you are a patient registered within a Central London GP Practice, and are interested in participating in research, please see information below about our active research projects.

Live Projects

SAFE-D Study

Background

Pancreatic Cancer is very hard to diagnose at an early stage, most people are only diagnosed at a later stage when the symptoms are more clear.

SAFE-D is a clinical research study evaluating how well a new blood test, called Avantect, can detect early signals of pancreatic cancer. People recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have a slightly higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer, a disease that often has no clear symptoms in its early stages and is therefore difficult to diagnose when treatment is most effective.

THARROS

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe and affects around 391 million people worldwide. The disease not only damages the airways and reduces lung function, but also increases the risk of serious complications such as acute exacerbations and cardiovascular events.

THARROS is the first-ever prospective trial to investigate the potential of an inhaled triple therapy to reduce cardiopulmonary events, a key driver of mortality, in COPD. This trial aims to address an urgent medical need in improving outcomes for high-risk patients.

 

London Asthma Diagnostics Study Interview

Background

We’re inviting GPs and practice nurses to take part in a short qualitative interview as part of the London Asthma Diagnostics Study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06383130).

This study is evaluating whether a triple diagnostic approach — combining oscillometry with FeNO and spirometry with reversibility testing — can improve the diagnostic accuracy of adult asthma in real-world settings. Oscillometry is a quick, effort-independent lung function test that uses normal tidal breathing and may be more sensitive to small airways disease.

Chronic Venus Ulcer Study (allo-APZ2-CVU)

Background

Allo-APZ2-CVU is a vascular clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of allo-APZ2-CVU (a stem cell preparation) on wound healing of therapy-resistant, non-healing chronic venous ulcers (CVU). This is a novel treatment in a first-of-its-kind study for CVU, which are caused by venous insufficiency that severely impairs wound healing in the lower legs. It is a debilitating, painful condition with a high disease burden and infection rate. The standard treatment is compression dressings that help venous return, facilitating healing, but the results are variable, and many ulcers of this kind do not heal even with a good compression regimen.

It’s hoped that the results of this clinical trial will yield a new treatment that can be used for patients with CVU, improving healing potential in ulcers that won’t heal with compression alone; and reducing healing time in those that heal only very slowly.

LILAC Study

Background

LILAC-TIMI 76 is a randomized, double, blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trial investigating the efficacy and safety of the factor XI inhibitor abelacimab in~1,900 patients with AF deemed unsuitable for anticoagulation therapy. We are looking for participants who may be able to benefit from a trial of this revolutionary new medication.

OPTIMISE2 Study

Background

Optimise2 Study is a trial conducted by the University of Oxford which aims to deprescribe antihypertensive medication for adults that are 75 + who are prescribed with 2 or more antihypertensive medication. Patients who are prescribed with a lot of drugs are more likely to have reduced independence and higher likeliness of being admitted to the hospital due to side effects. These drugs reduces the risk of strokes and lowers blood pressures but in frail older adults, this may cause more harm than good such as causing kidney failures and fainting which can lead to serious falls.

Patients on this study will be doing follow up visits for 1 year after their 1:1 randomization to compare medical reduction and the usual care. The recruitment end date is 30-04-2027.

ECAL Study

Background

The ECAL trial, led by the University of Birmingham and Queen Mary University of London, is a large randomized study comparing electronic cigarettes (ECs) to combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help people with COPD quit smoking. Funded by the NIHR, it aims to recruit 1,250 smokers aged 35 and over, offering either an EC starter kit or 12 weeks of NRT alongside behavioral support. The main goal is to measure smoking abstinence at 12 months, with secondary outcomes including lung function, COPD symptoms, and quality of life. The study also explores the effects of switching to vaping on lung health and mental wellbeing.

CLOCS-2

Background

Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, with early diagnosis crucial for effective treatment. CLOCS-2, a novel study, investigates the potential of everyday loyalty card data to identify early cancer signs. Focusing on various cancer types, CLOCS-2 compares purchasing patterns of participants to develop early detection methods. This innovative approach marks a promising stride in improving cancer outcomes.

BED & BN in primary care

Background

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) involves frequent episodes of consuming significantly large quantities of food, accompanied by a loss of control over eating behavior. These episodes are marked by eating a substantial amount of food within a discrete period, surpassing typical consumption, and a feeling of inability to control eating habits.

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a severe and potentially life-threatening eating disorder marked by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory actions, like self-induced vomiting, aimed at counteracting the consequences of overeating and preventing weight gain.

Re-appraising the use of Faecal calprotectin sample (FC)

Background

Faecal calprotectin (FC) serves as a recognized marker of inflammation, consistently displaying elevated levels in the stool of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to control groups. Its utilization is endorsed by NICE for patients presenting with new-onset lower gastrointestinal symptoms.  Through this research endeavor will contribute to refining referral pathways, especially concerning cases with borderline elevated results.

 

 

Measuring Loneliness study (INTERACT2)

Background

Social isolation and loneliness (SI&L) have well-documented public health implications, impacting both physical and mental well-being. To address the rising incidence of SI&L, particularly in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF &F), our research aims to assess its prevalence across England using online tools. We will focus on vulnerable populations, including those with limited cognitive capacity, developmental disorders, dementia, and serious mental illnesses, to identify interventions that can effectively tackle this issue. Our findings, disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, aim to inform policies and practices to address SI&L in communities across England.

 

Tricorder Study

Background

Tricorder represents a collaborative effort between The NHS North West London Integrated Care System, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and Imperial College London, aimed at advancing public health outcomes. The project seeks to evaluate the impact of equipping GPs with the Eko DUO device on early detection of heart failure (HF) among patients, as well as its potential cost-saving benefits for the NHS.