Leading the way to treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease
A clinical trial programme at Whipps Cross Hospital is helping patients that suffer with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) manage their condition. The clinical trials have proven to be cost effective by helping Barts Health NHS Trust save £760K, rather than perform operations to remove the bowel which can be a distressing experience for patients.
Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This structural disease tends to show signs usually between the ages of 20-40 years old. IBD means there is underlying physical damage to the bowel, which is caused by chronic inflammation or ulcers. IBD Symptoms can spike when a person experiences emotional or physical stress, such as starting a new job, moving home or a change in lifestyle.
Treatment for this disease is limited, and can often result in clinicians performing a procedure that removes the bowel. Dr Sami Hoque and his team are leading a series of clinical trials, to test if certain drugs can help manage IBD symptoms, and prevent patients from having surgical procedures to removal the bowel.
Dr Hoque and the Gastroenterology team recently presented a study report in the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) medical conference in Copenhagen in March. Clinical specialists across Europe came together to discuss how this research is helping to enhance patient care and advance treatment for IBD. Dr Hoque presented the disease data from IBD clinical trials, which proved that when a patient starts clinical trial treatment earlier, this prevents the disease spreading and damaging the bowel further.
Dr Hoque said: “We have a centre of excellence here at Whipps Cross in both endoscopy and gastroenterology. We have a close knit network with surgeons and other clinicians in the industry, and Working together enables us to share ideas, which help us to improve treatment for IBD patients.”
Dr.Hoque’s team discussed how our new ‘Straight to Test Triage Service’ helps to diagnose IBD patients quickly. Clinicians offer advice to adult patients about their procedure or endoscopy, and discuss their symptoms via a telephone consultation. Patients are always given a thorough explanation and the gastroenterology team talk through their concerns or answer questions surrounding their symptoms. The triage service narrows down referrals to decide which patients are prioritised to detect signs of diseases and help them to achieve an earlier diagnosis.
A total of 16 clinical trials have taken place at Whipps Cross Hospital on a wide range of patients between the ages of 18-80 years old. External patients from hospitals such as Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queen’s University Hospital can be referred to take part in clinical trials at Whipps Cross Hospital. Patients are then monitored closely by our clinical research team, who administer medicine and observe which drugs can effectively manage or eliminate the patient’s symptoms.
The drugs are tested for a period of time, but if the chosen drug fails to work then the clinical research team explore alternative drugs for treatment.
Dr Hoque says: “Having good patient feedback is our stimulus. It’s brilliant that we’re putting our hospital on the international map and that we’re creating solutions to help our IBD patients.”
The clinical trials team also host open patient forums that takes place at Whipps Cross hospital twice a year. It’s a chance for patients to network with each other, and share their treatment journey so far. Clinicians attend the forums to talk through concerns or treatment plans.
Pat Roche, 63, is a volunteer for the patient forum and is diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. She praised the clinical trial programme team and the patient forum for helping her to manage her condition and remain positive.
“I’ve had amazing support from Dr Hoque and the clinical trials team, who are so approachable and have gone above and beyond to help me manage living with this condition. The patient forum allows me to share my story with others who are managing their condition. I have good days and bad days but live in hope, and I get by with a little help from my friends.”
The Clinical Research Unit are hosting an event to celebrate International Clinical Trial Day on Tuesday 14th May. On this day, we will be offering:
- The chance to meet your research team and hear about research opportunities that could be of benefit to you,
- Tours of the Clinical Research Unit (Junction 9, Lower Ground Floor) at 11am, 12 noon and 1pm,
- The opportunity to participate in a facilitated Q&A session with patients who are currently participating in clinical research at 2pm, focusing on ‘the impact of clinical trials when living with a chronic condition’.
This event is in conjunction with a number of events occurring within Barts Health between 13th and 24th May, focusing on patient experience and research.