Collection of tissue samples for vasculitis research

VCRC Tissue Biorepository Collection Protocol

Observational University of Pennsylvania · NCT02967068

This study is collecting tissue samples from patients with vasculitis to see if they can help researchers understand the disease better and find new ways to diagnose and treat it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations8 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02967068 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to gather existing tissue specimens from patients enrolled in various Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium (VCRC) studies. The collected specimens, which include biopsies from organs such as the kidney, lung, and skin, will be analyzed alongside clinical data to enhance understanding of vasculitis and related autoimmune diseases. The goal is to identify potential causes and develop new diagnostic tests and therapies for these conditions. Importantly, biopsies are not performed specifically for this study; rather, consent is sought to use samples collected during routine care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who have been enrolled in other VCRC observational or interventional studies.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or are unwilling to allow their tissue to be used for research will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tests and therapies for patients suffering from vasculitis and related diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing tissue specimens for research in autoimmune diseases have shown promise, indicating that this approach is supported by prior successful research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A participant will be deemed eligible for this study if the participant is/was enrolled in another one of the VCRC observational/longitudinal protocols (5502, 5503, 5504, 5505, 5506, 5507, 5563) and/or one of the VCRC interventional studies (5522, 5523, 5526, 5527, or 5562).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to give informed consent (or their guardians in the case of children) and to sign the consent form.
* Unwilling to allow the use of their tissue for research.

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts and 7 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AortitisCutaneous VasculitisEosinophilic Granulomatosis With PolyangiitisGiant Cell ArteritisGranulomatosis With PolyangiitisHenoch-Schonlein PurpuraIgA VasculitisMicroscopic Polyangiitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.