TARGET-pCD version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Therapeutic Assessment and Recommendations to Guide Evaluation of Treatments in perianal Crohn’s disease
IRAS ID
356860
Contact name
Ailsa Hart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North London West University NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 9 days
Research summary
This study focuses on improving care for patients with perianal fistulising Crohn’s disease (pfCD), a condition that affects around 20% of Crohn’s disease patients within 10 years of diagnosis. pfCD causes abnormal tunnels (called fistulas) to form between the rectum and the skin around the anus, leading to symptoms like pain, discharge, and abscesses. These symptoms significantly impact patients’ quality of life and require both medical and surgical care.
The study uses the treat-to-target (T2T) approach, a strategy widely used to manage chronic diseases. T2T involves setting clear, measurable treatment goals to improve patient outcomes. It has been successfully applied in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to frameworks like STRIDE I, STRIDE II, and the SPIRIT guidelines, which help doctors tailor treatments to individual patients.
This project aims to define specific treatment targets for pfCD, such as reducing fistula drainage and fistula healing. Unlike other forms of IBD, pfCD has unique treatment goals, and this study will help clinicians provide more personalised, patient-centred care.
The patient involvement will take place at a university hospital in London and involves three steps:
1) A systematic review of treatment targets used in pfCD studies.
2) A consensus process with multidisciplinary IBD experts to outline recommended targets.
3) Patient involvement through surveys and a focus group to understand the treatment goals patients prioritise.
The study will last 1 year and will include patients aged 16 and over with pfCD. By defining clear treatment targets, this research aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with this challenging condition.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NE/0152
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion