Therapeutic Outcomes in ABPA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Therapeutic outcomes in Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)
IRAS ID
327475
Contact name
Lisa Nwankwo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study aims to improve the well-being and outcomes of ABPA patients by enhancing symptom monitoring techniques for Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA), a common chronic lung infection caused by Aspergillus fungi. A key goal is to develop a new questionnaire-style tool specifically for monitoring symptoms in ABPA patients.
ABPA affects millions worldwide, leading to lung damage, frequent infections, long-term treatments, and hospitalizations, all of which negatively impact patients' quality of life. This study seeks to identify the most effective and well-tolerated treatments (IRAS Project ID: 346410) by developing methods to track patient progress and symptoms, which is essential for long-term management.
A new disease-specific questionnaire will be created in collaboration with patients to monitor symptoms and treatment responses. Patients undergoing various treatments will be recruited and followed for a year using home lung function tests, questionnaires, and blood tests. This will help assess the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of patient-reported outcomes and their relationship to measurable tests. At the end of the study, patients will provide feedback on their experiences.
This study will also lay the groundwork for future clinical trials. A future randomized controlled trial (RCT) will examine the effects of current therapies without interference from other treatments. This feasibility study will provide insights into the challenges of conducting a full-scale RCT.
Patient involvement is crucial, with a patient collaboration team informing the study design, analyzing survey responses, and ensuring materials are clear and accessible. The findings will be communicated to patients through conferences, research publications, public engagement events, social media, and patient advocacy organizations. The goal is to reach those most affected by ABPA and influence disease management policies. This study aims to generate simple, structured questionnaire-based measures that could be useful in resource-limited communities worldwide.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0365
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion