BEFORE-MS Linked Biobank study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Biomarker Evaluation for Future Outcome in Relapsing Multiple sclerosis - West of Scotland Neuroimmunology biobank linked access.
IRAS ID
232152
Contact name
Sarah Martin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This research involves using pre-existing samples (cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood) from the Glasgow Neuroimmuology Biobank to measure levels of neurofilament light chain (a protein released from damage nerve axons) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the study is to review the correlation CSF and blood neurofilament levels. A strong correlation would potentially allow blood to act as a proxy, instead of CSF, for measuring neurofilament levels in future studies.
The samples are currently stored within Glasgow Neuroimmunology Biobank. Glasgow Neuroimmunology Biobank Request for Access forms have been completed to request access to the samples. This however only allows access to anonymised samples. An application to Caldicott is therefore also in process to allow samples to be released in an identifiable form.
Samples from patients who were diagnose with MS need to be identified from all the samples currently stored in GNIB. There is currently no way of searching the biobank by diagnosis, and all samples are identified within the biobank by a non-identifiable lab number.
In order to identify samples from patients with multiple sclerosis, lab numbers need to be linked to patient identifiable information in order to review medical notes and clarify diagnosis.
Once samples have been identified they will be analysed in a blinded manner. After laboratory analysis I plan to look at associations between neurofilament levels and different MS subtypes, disease progression or patient outcome. This again requires the ability to link the sample to patient identifiable information in order to review clinical notes.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/WM/0379
Date of REC Opinion
25 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion