DNA clues could forecast steroid relapse in PMR
NCT ID NCT07748195
First seen Aug 05, 2026 · Last updated Aug 27, 2026 · Updated 5 times
Summary
This study investigates whether DNA methylation patterns in blood immune cells can predict which patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) will relapse when corticosteroid treatment is tapered. Researchers will analyze blood samples from 50 PMR patients to see if specific immune cell changes correlate with relapse. The goal is to develop a simple, affordable blood test that could guide treatment decisions and reduce the risk of relapse.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- DNA methylation analysis of blood samples
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a blood test that predicts which PMR patients will relapse when steroids are tapered, enabling personalized treatment plans.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study with a relatively small sample size. The findings may not be generalizable, and the predictive markers may not prove reliable in broader populations.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Patients who are seen in DHMC's PMR clinic and have a PMR diagnosis.
- Ages
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50 to 89 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Anyone ≥50-89 years old Taking ≥10mg of prednisone or prednisone equivalent at time of enrollment with a stable disease normal ESR and CRP (inflammation markers) which would indicate presence of inflammation or not * CRP: \<1.0 mg/dL (some labs report in mg/L → normal is usually \<3 mg/L) * ESR: * Men ≥50 years: 0-20 mm/hr * Women ≥50 years: 0-30 mm/hr Have a PMR diagnosis Able to provide written consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of concomitant Giant cell arteritis (GCA) any other rheumatological disorders like lupus, arthritis (psoriatic, osteo), scleroderma, sjogrens Active malignancy- presence of tumor by imaging or labs Infection- infection can cause increased levels of innate immune cells making it difficult to differentiate between disease and infection recent surgery- within the past 6 months
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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