Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Exploring factors that predict treatment response in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis

Official title: Predictive Factors for Treatment Response in Patients With Newly-diagnosed Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis

Run by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT05479448 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to find out what factors help predict how well new patients with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis will respond to steroid treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsTocilizumab, prednisone
Locations1 site (Basel)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 3, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 2028
Study endsDecember 2028
Registry record updatedApril 1, 2025
Trial IDNCT05479448 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are patients newly diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica or giant cell arteritis who meet specific classification criteria.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of GCA or PMR, or those currently receiving certain disease-modifying medications, may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify predictive factors for how patients with newly diagnosed polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) respond to steroid treatment. It will evaluate the relationship between endogenous glucocorticoid suppression and the effectiveness of glucocorticoids in managing these conditions. By analyzing various biological markers and treatment responses, the study seeks to develop profiles for steroid responders and non-responders, which could inform treatment strategies. The ultimate goal is to optimize steroid use and minimize adverse effects for patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for patients with PMR and GCA, improving their outcomes and reducing side effects from steroid use.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of identifying predictive factors for treatment response is not widely tested, similar studies in other inflammatory conditions have shown promise in personalizing treatment.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with diagnosis of PMR according to the 2012 provisional classification criteria and GCA according to published criteria
* Consent to participate in the SCQM database
* Treatment according to our standardized regimes

Exclusion Criteria:

* Treatment with Tocilizumab, MTX or other disease modifying medications at inclusion
* History of GCA and PMR in the past
* Inability to give informed consent

Where it's running

  • Department of Rheumatology University Hospital Basel
    Basel, Switzerland
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Thomas Daikeler, Prof. Dr. med. — Department of Rheumatology University Hospital Basel
  • Study coordinator: Thomas Daikeler, Prof. Dr. med.
  • Email: Thomas.Daikeler@usb.ch
  • Phone: +41 61 265 27 09

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.