Nephromics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Biomarkers in the prediction, management and consequences of kidney disease
IRAS ID
350508
Contact name
Ben Caplin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2024/08/123, UCL Data Protection Number
Duration of Study in the UK
9 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Diagnosis and management of kidney disease is currently based on crude tools. Simple blood tests of kidney function or urine tests do not accurately classify the cause, likely disease course or its consequences. Invasive tests, such as kidney biopsies, provide more information but are challenging to perform in many patient groups and cannot be conducted repeatedly to monitor progression or responses to treatment. Molecular markers (e.g.. proteins, metabolites, or genetic modifications) present in blood, urine or other biofluids (including stool, sputum or nasopharyngeal secretions) are increasingly used to classify disease and predict disease course, its consequences, and response to treatment. However, these are poorly developed in kidney disease. The NHS trusts affiliated to UCL provide the largest combined adult and paediatric clinical service to kidney patient in the UK. The aim of this project is to use blood, urine and other biofluids to develop non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic predictors of disease, alongside gaining further insight into disease mechanisms. The study is an observational cohort study based on convenience sampling of patients presenting to clinical renal services along with healthy individuals without kidney disease. Participants will be invited to provide additional bio-samples for research (blood, urine, and stool and sputum in some circumstances). They will also be asked to agree to provide access to tissue that is either removed during a procedure (and normally disposed of), or archived biopsy material stored in histopathology departments. Finally, participants will agree to access to their electronic health record as well as linkage to other NHS records such as the UK renal registry.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0106
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion