Rituximab for giant cell arteritis: a study to test a new approach
Part of Brain & nervous system, Heart & circulation, Immune system & allergy, Skin clinical trials.
This study is for people with giant cell arteritis (GCA), a condition where blood vessels become inflamed. It tests a drug called rituximab to see if it can help by targeting special immune cells (B cells). The study uses scans to look at inflammation in the large blood vessels. You must have active GCA in the large vessels (shown by a scan in the last 4 weeks), be over 50, and start treatment with steroids alone (no other immune-suppressing drugs yet). You cannot have been on steroids for more than 4 weeks before joining.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- Be 50 years or older
- Have giant cell arteritis (GCA) diagnosed by a rheumatologist
- Show active inflammation in the large blood vessels (aorta and its branches) on a recent scan (within the last 4 weeks)
- Be treated with steroids only (no other immune-suppressing drugs) as part of your standard care
- Not have taken steroids for more than 4 weeks before the study starts
- Not have had GCA diagnosed before
- Not have severe kidney disease (eGFR less than 15)
- Be willing and able to give consent and follow radiation safety advice
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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