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.

We’re keen to hear your views on:

• Current challenges in diagnosing asthma in primary care
• Your experience with diagnostic tools
• Thoughts on oscillometry, its result report, and how it might fit into existing workflows

Your insights will help assess the feasibility of using oscillometry in frontline asthma diagnosis. The session would comprise of a short demonstration of the device and the report output, and a Teams/Zoom interview which would last around 45 minutes – 1 hour. All responses will be anonymised.

If you’re interested in taking part or would like to know more, please get in touch by emailing Dr Eleanor Quek at e.quek@imperial.ac.uk

Full Title: A pivotal, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter, international Phase III clinical trial is designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of ALLO-APZ2-CVU in promoting wound healing in patients with therapy-resistant, non-healing chronic venous ulcers (CVUs).

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topically administered allo-APZ2-CVU compared to a placebo. This study aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from therapy-resistant CVUs

If you think you have any patients eligible for this study please email hcl.trials@nhs.net

You can read more about FAQs about this study here

Full Title: A Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo-controlled, parallel‐group study to evaLuate the effIcacy and safety of abeLacimab in high‐risk patients with Atrial fibrillation who have been deemed unsuitable for oral antiCoagulation (LILAC)

The HCL research team is now participating in this study, which investigates the use of abelacimab for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation who can’t have DOACs either through choice or increased bleed risk (eg, frailty, renal impairment, previous GI bleeds, on antiplatelets, high HAS-BLED score).

Abelacimab is a monoclonal antibody which targets factor XI and so reduces stroke risk without a substantial increase in bleed risk. In the AZALEA–TIMI71 study, abelacimab was shown to be associated with only one-third of the bleeding rate compared to rivaroxaban.

We are looking for participants who may be able to benefit from a trial of this revolutionary new medication and need your help identifying them.

We are looking for patients with:-

• A diagnosis of atrial fibrillation
• and 65 years or older
• and not on a DOAC (either by patient choice or clinically high risk for a blood eg frailty, renal impairment, previous GI bleeds, taking antiplatelets, high HAS-BLED score)

If you have any patients which meet this criteria or have any queries, please email us at hcl.trials@nhs.net

Full title: Effectiveness of Electronic Cigarettes compared with combination nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease And effect on Lung health (ECAL trial)

The main objective of this study is to find out how effective e-cigs are compared with combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in helping Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients quit smoking cigarettes, and which treatment is more cost-effective for the National Health Service (NHS). 

Along with the main objective, the study also has a lung health sub-study that aims investigate the effect of switching from smoking to exclusive EC use on clinical, physiological and cellular lung health measures compared with (1) quitting smoking without vaping and (2) continuing to smoke in patients with COPD. 

Wellbeing sub-study aims and objectives: To investigate the effect of switching from smoking to exclusive EC use on anxiety, depression and social quality of life compared with (1) quitting smoking without vaping and (2) continuing to smoke in patients with COPD.   

For more information or if you are interested in the study please follow this link CLICK HERE

CLOCS-2 is an observational, retrospective case-control study that investigates whether or not everyday loyalty card use in high street retailers can help identify early signs of cancer. The cancer types in focus are bladder, bowel (also known as colon/colorectal), endometrial, liver, oesophageal, ovarian, pancreatic, stomach, uterine and vulval. CLOCS-2 is using a case-control design to compare purchasing patterns of participants with (cases) and without (controls) these cancer types diagnose in order to potentially develop a way to detect cancer earlier. The study aims to include participants with and without cancer across the United Kingdom who use loyalty cards at two high street retailers. The CLOCS team will analyse past purchasing behaviour from about 1,500 participants (750 cancer cases and 750 controls) in the United Kingdom utilising information already collected through their use of loyalty cards.

Faecal calprotectin (FC) serves as a calcium-binding cytosolic protein secreted by neutrophils, finding wide application as a screening tool for gastrointestinal inflammation. Numerous studies have highlighted elevated FC levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to control groups like those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its utility extends to IBD management due to its correlation with disease activity markers. The cost-effectiveness of FC testing and its potential to reduce unnecessary referrals to secondary care have resulted in its widespread adoption in primary care settings. As a stable protein constituting a significant portion of neutrophil cytosolic content, calprotectin is released into feces during gastrointestinal inflammation, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and objective means of assessing patients before considering more invasive procedures such as colonoscopy or imaging studies. A prospective study will be conducted to assess the utility of faecal calprotectin (FC) testing in primary care settings, focusing on patients referred for this test. Baseline clinical information will be collected from recruited patients, and the Bristol Stool Scale score will be noted on the faecal samples sent for FC testing to gauge stool consistency. Participants will be followed up over a one-year period to track the outcomes of subsequent investigations, aiding in the determination of appropriate FC cut-off values and evaluating the impact of stool consistency on FC diagnostic efficacy. This research aims to address existing concerns regarding FC testing, particularly its application in primary care and the need for clearer cut-off values. By prospectively investigating FC utility and re-evaluating its cut-off value, this study seeks to enhance diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and streamline referral pathways for patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.

For more information click here

Social isolation and loneliness (SI&L) have profound implications for public health, affecting both physical and mental well-being. With a focus on addressing the escalating incidence of SI&L, particularly in London’s Hammersmith & Fulham borough (LBH&F), our research seeks to assess its prevalence across England using online tools. Targeting vulnerable populations, including those with limited cognitive capacity, developmental disorders, dementia, and serious mental illnesses, we aim to identify effective interventions. Through dissemination in peer-reviewed journals, our findings aim to inform policies and practices to combat SI&L. Collaboratively led by Imperial College London’s School of Public Health, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and Hammersmith & Fulham Council, the Measuring Loneliness (INTERACT) study represents a pioneering effort to map loneliness at the borough and city levels. By engaging thousands of community dwellers aged 16 and over through online surveys, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of loneliness’s impact across various regions, supported by funding from NIHR Applied Research Collaboration NWL.

To find out more click here

Heart failure (HF) represents a serious condition where the heart struggles to efficiently pump blood throughout the body. Its impact surpasses that of many cancers, with a mortality rate of 50% at 5 years post-diagnosis, affecting approximately 900,000 individuals in the United Kingdom annually. This ailment not only profoundly affects quality of life but also exacts a significant financial toll on the NHS, consuming 4% of its annual budget, equating to over £625 million per year. Unfortunately, up to 80% of HF diagnoses occur belatedly during emergency hospital admissions, leading to worse survival outcomes and higher treatment costs. GPs lack accessible tools for timely HF detection, resulting in patients undergoing lengthy and often inconclusive diagnostic pathways. However, our groundbreaking study showcased the efficacy of the Eko DUO smart stethoscope, capable of detecting HF with 92% accuracy in just 15 seconds, even before symptom onset. Through the TRICORDER Study, we aim to determine whether equipping GPs with the Eko DUO enhances early HF detection, thereby mitigating emergency hospital admissions and reducing NHS costs. By leveraging patient involvement and cutting-edge technology, our initiative seeks to drive transformative change in NHS-patient access, ultimately saving lives and resources.

To find out more click here

Viruses exert diverse effects on our immune systems, many of which remain mysterious to us. Clinical studies play a crucial role in unraveling how the body responds to viral encounters, including common colds, in both healthy individuals and those with conditions like asthma. By gaining a deeper understanding of these mechanisms, we can devise more effective treatments and potentially eradicate prevalent viral illnesses. At FluCamp, our focus lies in conducting clinical trials centered on the common cold and flu, afflictions that affect billions annually. Through our research efforts and the dedication of our volunteers, we strive to develop and evaluate novel drugs and vaccines aimed at expediting recovery from these respiratory infections. Developing new treatments is a meticulous process that prioritizes safety, necessitating extensive research, screening, and testing involving healthy volunteers before wider deployment. This rigorous testing occurs through a series of five distinct phases in clinical trials.

For more information click here