What next?
What next?
About this study
There are trillions of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses that live naturally on our bodies and inside us. This is known as our microbiome. It is thought that people with interstitial lung disease (ILD) have a disordered microbiome that is different to those who are healthy.
This study aims to assess the microbiome of the gut and oral cavity in healthy individuals, so that any differences between people with ILD can be found. This may help researchers to identify potential screening tests that could allow for earlier diagnosis, or potential targets for treatments.
There are many different types of research. These studies might ask participants to test different treatments, devices, or complete questionnaires. Some studies may not require any involvement from people affected by PF, but instead look at cells in a lab environment, animal models, or utilise computer modelling.
A study involving people can be:
- Interventional – participants are given an active treatment decided by researchers. This could be a change in medication or lifestyle (e.g. exercise, diet, complementary wellbeing therapy, or symptom management). These are commonly known as clinical trials.
- Observational – participants are assessed for specific changes over time, but researchers do not alter their standard treatment or care (e.g. questionnaires to understand the impact of symptom, or patient registries that track trends in how disease affects people or the services that are provided).
There are 3 main phases of clinical trials:
- Phase 1 is the earliest stage of research, where there is often a focus on understanding if the treatment is safe or if it causes any side effects.
- Phase 2 still focuses on safety and side effects, but also tries to find out more about what is the best dose.
- Phase 3 often compares the new treatment to existing treatments or lookalike medications.
As drugs or interventions move into the different phases, the number of people taking part will increase. Not all studies will make it to the later phases, especially if the intervention is not found to be safe or effective in phase 1 and 2.
The recruitment aim is the number of people that researcher want to take part in the research study.
What is involved?
You will be asked to provide oral swab samples and stool samples at the start of the study and then again 3 and 12 months later. You will be sent the sample collection kits in the post with a stamped return package, so you won't be required to attend the hospital to take part. The samples will be looked at to see the types of bacteria that are present. At each stage of collecting the samples, you will be sent an online questionnaire that also includes collecting information about what you have eaten recently. You will also be asked about your medical history.
You will be offered £25 per study assessment.
Summary of involvement
Sample collection kits sent in the post
Stool samples and oral swab samples at the start of the study, 3 months and 12 months
Questionnaires at time of the sample collection
Can I take part?
You may be able to take part if you are between the age of 18 and 99 year, without a history of respiratory disease.
In research studies, there are lots of different reasons why you may or may not be able to take part. These are known as inclusion and exclusion criteria (see list below). Only the clinical trial team will be able to fully determine whether you are able to take part in the study. You can withdraw at any point.
If you are not able to take part in this research study, there may be other opportunities for you to take part in different studies.
To find our more about other research opportunities visit our research finder main page.
Aged 18-99 years
No previous history of respiratory disease
Both smokers and non-smokers can take part
Diagnosis or history of respiratory disease
What difference could taking part make?
Taking part in this study will help researchers to understand if there are differences between the microbiomes of healthy people and people with ILD. This could lead to further research to help identify strategies that support earlier diagnosis of ILDs.
Research studies, such as this, have the potential to help develop new care strategies that could help improve the quality of people’s lives for those with pulmonary fibrosis, both now and in the future.
Where does the study take place?
Study locations
Royal Brompton Hospital
How to take part
People who would like to find out more about taking part in this study can email r.ild@rbht.nhs.uk to express interest.
Further information
The summary on this page provides information about an opportunity to participate in research. More detailed information about the study can be found via the following the links and through contacting the research team.
If you have any questions about this research study, please speak to your medical team.
r.ild@rbht.nhs.ukThis study is supported by
APF does not endorse or recommend any specific study. All responsibility for the study remains with the sponsors and investigators.
Every effort is made to keep these details up to date. If you are aware of any inaccuracies, please email research@actionpf.org