Balancing Efficacy & Toxicity in Transplant Immunosuppression Regimens
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Balancing Efficacy & Toxicity in Transplant Immunosuppression Regimens
IRAS ID
354469
Contact name
Michelle Willicombe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to compare kidney transplant outcomes across different transplanting sites, each using a different approach to immunosuppression. Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for most people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). It offers better quality of life and health economic benefits for the NHS. However, to keep the transplanted kidney working, patients must take lifelong immunosuppressive medication to prevent organ rejection. While these medications are essential, they can also increase the risk of infections, cancer, and heart disease.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how immunosuppressive treatments affect not just individual patients but also the NHS and society. Currently, the way immunosuppressive medications are prescribed varies between different transplant centres across the UK. The balance between preventing rejection and avoiding side effects varies from person to person. This research aims to provide clearer evidence to help ensure immunosuppression is prescribed based on each patient’s individual needs rather than simply following the practices of a particular transplant centre.
Transplant centres in the UK regularly report outcomes to the NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Registry. While this provides valuable information about transplantation overall, it does not include detailed data on factors such as the development of donor-specific antibodies (DSA), histology, infections, or prescribed immunosuppression. These details are crucial to understanding the benefits and risks of different immunosuppressive treatments. We will compare outcomes across different hospitals, each using a different approach to immunosuppression. To do this, we will use routinely collected data in NHS records, and individual patient consent will be sought to collect any additional samples or information from patients directly.REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1366
Date of REC Opinion
9 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion