North Bristol Trust hosts pioneering research study aiming to restore damaged brain cells in patients with Parkinson’s
A pioneering research study hosted at North Bristol Trust attempting to regenerate dying brain cells in patients with Parkinson’s disease is the subject of BBC2 documentary airing Thursday 28 February at 9pm.
The multi-million pound six-year study tested whether increasing levels of the naturally occurring protein Glial Cell Lined Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) directly into the brain via a specially- made port in the side of their head could reverse their condition.
As part of the study, brain scans were taken before and after the trial to assess brain cell functionality. After nine months, results showed that in comparison to those that had received the placebo, patients that had received GDNF showed improvement in key areas of the brain affected by the condition. By 18 months all participants had opted to receive GDNF and showed improvements compared to their results at the start of the study.
During the study, Clinical Research Network-funded staff ensured that patients and their families were supported to manage the demanding visit scheduling for the study. Despite the challenges of recruiting to an early phase experimental study, the team were able to recruit to target and maintain patients’ engagement throughout.
The study has shown that GDNF could potentially be used as treatment to restore damaged brain cells in patients with Parkinson’s. Further research now aims to find an effective treatment period and dose of GDNF to improve the lives of patients living with the condition.
Parkinson’s disease affects around 10 million people worldwide and is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. The condition is progressive and leads to the degeneration of dopamine generating brain cells. This results in slowness of movement, stiffness and tremors.
BBC coverage of the trial: www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47370498
The Guardian coverage: www.theguardian.com/society/2019/feb/27/parkinsons-patients-tube-implant-study-drug-delivery-system
Independent coverage: www.independent.co.uk/news/health/parkinsons-cancer-treatment-valve-drilled-skull-drugs-a8798266.html
The first part of the two part documentary airs on BBC2 Thursday 28 February at 9pm: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00031cb
The multi-million pound six-year study tested whether increasing levels of the naturally occurring protein Glial Cell Lined Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) directly into the brain via a specially- made port in the side of their head could reverse their condition.
As part of the study, brain scans were taken before and after the trial to assess brain cell functionality. After nine months, results showed that in comparison to those that had received the placebo, patients that had received GDNF showed improvement in key areas of the brain affected by the condition. By 18 months all participants had opted to receive GDNF and showed improvements compared to their results at the start of the study.
During the study, Clinical Research Network-funded staff ensured that patients and their families were supported to manage the demanding visit scheduling for the study. Despite the challenges of recruiting to an early phase experimental study, the team were able to recruit to target and maintain patients’ engagement throughout.
The study has shown that GDNF could potentially be used as treatment to restore damaged brain cells in patients with Parkinson’s. Further research now aims to find an effective treatment period and dose of GDNF to improve the lives of patients living with the condition.
Parkinson’s disease affects around 10 million people worldwide and is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. The condition is progressive and leads to the degeneration of dopamine generating brain cells. This results in slowness of movement, stiffness and tremors.
BBC coverage of the trial: www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47370498
The Guardian coverage: www.theguardian.com/society/2019/feb/27/parkinsons-patients-tube-implant-study-drug-delivery-system
Independent coverage: www.independent.co.uk/news/health/parkinsons-cancer-treatment-valve-drilled-skull-drugs-a8798266.html
The first part of the two part documentary airs on BBC2 Thursday 28 February at 9pm: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00031cb
Comments
Post a Comment