Working in haematology research: the CASCADE trial
- 18 May 2023
- 1 min read
The haematology team at Oxford’s Churchill Hospital has recruited the first participant into the CASCADE trial into rare autoimmune disease Cold Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia.
Here, Research Nurse (Immuno-Haematology) Simon Fletcher explains why this study has been established and what it involves.
Talk to your healthcare professional about taking part in research or search for studies seeking volunteers at Be Part of Research.
What is this research study about?
Cold Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (CAD) is a rare autoimmune disease that causes the clumping and breakdown of red blood cells when an individual's body temperature drops below 37 degrees. This causes sufferers to experience symptoms of fatigue, palpitations, dizziness and jaundice. In extreme conditions it can lead to kidney failure and ischaemic injuries to fingers and toes. There are currently no effective treatments for the condition.
What does taking part involve?
This study, looking at the safety and efficacy of the drug pegcetacoplan, hopes to show that given subcutaneously twice weekly it can prevent the clumping and destruction of red blood cells and alleviate all of the symptoms of CAD.
What motivates you to work in research?
I have always been interested in caring for people with rare and ultra rare conditions. Working at the cutting edge of treatments for people who have often very few effective treatments and seeing the difference that these new treatments can have is an amazing experience.
What would you say to others about a career in research?
I would wholeheartedly endorse a desire to work in research. The difference that you can make to peoples’ lives is immense, especially when they currently have few available treatments. Even on those occasions when the study does not go to plan, that the drug does not work as well as had been hoped, you have been involved in making new discoveries.
Talk to your healthcare professional about taking part in research or search for studies seeking volunteers at Be Part of Research.
