Tears may replace spinal taps for MS diagnosis

NCT ID NCT02016222

Terminated Diagnosis Sponsor: Lille Catholic University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a tear sample can diagnose primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) as accurately as a spinal tap. Currently, doctors need to collect spinal fluid to confirm this type of MS, which is invasive and uncomfortable. Researchers will compare proteins in tears and spinal fluid from 80 adults with progressive MS to see if tears can serve as a reliable alternative.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a simple, non-invasive tear test to diagnose primary progressive multiple sclerosis, avoiding the need for a spinal tap.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The tear test might not be accurate enough to replace the standard spinal fluid analysis.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic progressive multiple sclerosis disease Lacerations primary progressive multiple sclerosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille

Marseille, 13354, France
Centre hospitalier intercommunal

Poissy, 78303, France
Centre hospitalier régional universitaire

Clermont-Ferrand, 63003, France
Centre hospitalier régional universitaire

Lille, 59037, France
Centre hospitalier régional universtaire

Strasbourg, 67091, France
Centre hospitalier universitaire

Caen, 14033, France
Centre hospitalier universitaire

Dijon, 21079, France
Centre hospitalier universitaire

Nancy, 54035, France
Centre hospitalier universitaire

Nîmes, 30029, France
Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU), Nice

Nice, Alpes Maritimes, 06003, France
Centre hospitaliere universitaire

Bordeaux, 33404, France
Groupement des Hôpitaux de l'Institut Catholique de Lille (GHICL)

Lille, Nord, 59000, France
Hospices civils de Lyon

Lyon, 69229, France

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