ReumaNederland honors research project on measurement method for pre-phase joint arthritis.

A Leiden-Rotterdam research consortium, including Medical Delta professor Annette van der Helm (LUMC, Erasmus MC), will collaborate with international colleagues to develop a method for measuring treatment effects in the earliest phase of the disease, when there is no clear joint swelling (arthritis) yet. They have received a grant of over €300,000 from Reuma Nederland for this.

This methodology is needed as an outcome measure for future trials in the earliest phase of the joint disease Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The research project is closely aligned with the Medical Delta Program 'From man to machine – early detection of rheumatoid arthritis'.

The aim of the research project is to develop a measurement method for people with Clinically Suspect Arthralgia – a precursor to Rheumatoid Arthritis – to measure treatment effects. "These individuals are at risk of developing RA but have not yet done so," says Van der Helm. "In RA, treatment effects are primarily measured by swollen joints (arthritis), but if you don't have that, you can't use it as a measure. In this project, we will develop a measurement method for this group of people from Leiden and Rotterdam, as well as internationally."

Measuring treatment effects in the precursor stage

Early detection of the disease is already possible, and with a risk model, an estimate can be made of the likelihood of someone developing RA. Timely treatment reduces the risk of RA. The research funds from Reuma Nederland are being used to find ways to monitor whether a treatment is effective, determine when treatment can be stopped, and better understand which medications are effective for people still in the precursor stage of potential RA development.

The scoring methodology will be developed based on data from Dutch patients. Alongside researchers, doctors, and patients worldwide, they will further test the score. The researchers are also gathering additional data through ongoing studies in Leiden and Rotterdam. Ultimately, this should lead to fewer complaints, less worry, and a better quality of life.

Focus on early detection of rheumatoid arthritis

Early detection of rheumatoid arthritis can prevent a lot of suffering. People become less ill in the long term when rheumatoid arthritis is discovered at the earliest possible stage. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner treatment can begin. This prevents a lot of irreversible joint damage and significantly reduces the disease burden. ReumaNederland is therefore focusing on early diagnostics and will support five new, promising studies in the coming years that contribute to faster diagnoses and better, targeted treatments for (rare) inflammatory rheumatism.

See also: 5x Faster Detection of (Rare) Rheumatism | ReumaNederland

Read more about the research by Annette van der Helm or watch the video below: