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BETTER TREATMENTS FOR BREATHLESSNESS IN PALLIATIVE AND END OF LIFE CARE

Descrizione del progetto

Verso un miglior trattamento della dispnea refrattaria

La dispnea cronica è una terribile malattia associata a morbilità fisiche e psicosociali. Essendo poche le terapie farmacologiche in grado di trattarla efficacemente, questa malattia provoca gravi disagi per i pazienti affetti e le loro famiglie. Il progetto BETTER-B, finanziato dall’UE, sta verificando la possibilità di utilizzare la mirtazapina, un antidepressivo consolidato, per trattare la dispnea cronica, come suggerito da un recente studio di fattibilità. I ricercatori di BETTER-B condurranno una sperimentazione clinica randomizzata in doppio cieco al fine di mettere alla prova l’efficacia e la convenienza economica della mirtazapina rispetto al placebo in pazienti situati in diversi paesi europei. Il progetto comprende inoltre un’indagine online effettuata da medici, la produzione di una guida a livello europeo sulla gestione della dispnea nelle cure palliative e di fine vita e interviste qualitative con i partecipanti alla sperimentazione per comprendere le esperienze trascorse.

Obiettivo

The BETTER-B consortium tests whether mirtazapine, currently used as an antidepressant, is an effective treatment to reduce chronic or refractory breathlessness (CB) in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary or interstitial lung disease (COPD or ILD) needing palliative care or at the end of life.

Our focus is on breathlessness that persists despite optimal treatment of the underlying condition. This widespread and frightening symptom has a major detrimental impact on patients’ quality of life and distresses their family, friends and carers. It is associated with physical and psychosocial morbidity and results in high use of health care services, including emergency care.

There are no licenced medicines for CB in the world. It is a major challenge to clinical management, care quality and patient wellbeing. We have completed a feasibility trial in 60 patients, reviews and case studies that suggest mirtazapine is a promising treatment.

To assess if mirtazapine is effective, we conduct a randomised double blind clinical trial of mirtazapine versus placebo in patients with CB and COPD or ILD. The trial recruits 324 patients over 18 months across respiratory, palliative care and community services in Poland, Ireland, Italy, Germany and the UK. We study the effects of treatment over time on patients, their family or caregivers and care costs. We survey clinicians and produce accessible European guidance on treating CB.

The consortium unites a unique multi-disciplinary group of clinician scientists from respiratory, palliative, geriatric and rehabilitation fields, alongside statisticians, trialists, health economists, health care researchers, patient and consumer groups and a European Society. This ensures the optimal design and operation of the trial and the widest impact from its results.

Using an existing medicine for a different purpose offers a highly cost-effective approach for treatment that can be implemented and sustained internationally.

Invito a presentare proposte

H2020-SC1-BHC-2018-2020

Vedi altri progetti per questo bando

Bando secondario

H2020-SC1-2018-Single-Stage-RTD

Meccanismo di finanziamento

RIA - Research and Innovation action

Coordinatore

KING'S COLLEGE LONDON
Contribution nette de l'UE
€ 1 638 396,85
Indirizzo
STRAND
WC2R 2LS London
Regno Unito

Mostra sulla mappa

Regione
London Inner London — West Westminster
Tipo di attività
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Collegamenti
Costo totale
€ 1 638 396,85

Partecipanti (14)