Personalized medicine network for childhood arthritis and rheumatic disease

UCAN CAN-DU: Canada-Netherlands Personalized Medicine Network in Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatic Disease

Observational The Hospital for Sick Children · NCT06560606

This study is trying to find out how to better treat children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis by collecting information and samples to help doctors choose the right medications at the right time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment4100 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Hospital for Sick Children Academic / other
Locations19 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 18 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06560606 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

UCAN CAN-DU is a multicenter observational cohort initiative aimed at understanding juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) through the collection of biological samples, clinical data, and patient-reported outcomes from children diagnosed with the condition. The study seeks to develop predictive tests that can guide the selection and timing of biologic therapies, which are effective but can have serious side effects and high costs. Additionally, it incorporates a health economics component to evaluate the socioeconomic impact of biomarker-based treatments. Data will be managed through a secure cloud-computing service, allowing for real-time integration and analysis to enhance patient care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 18 years or younger with active juvenile idiopathic arthritis or those who are treatment naïve or transitioning in their biologic therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who are not actively experiencing symptoms or those who do not meet the inclusion criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in personalized medicine approaches for chronic diseases, suggesting potential success for this novel initiative.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Cohort 1: - Biologic Basis of JIA

* ≤18 years\*
* Active objective arthritis suspected to be JIA or diagnosed with JIA within 6 months of enrolment
* Treatment naïve except for NSAIDs, allowed to have received NSAIDS within 6 months of diagnosis

Cohort 2 - Start Biologics

* JIA diagnosis as per ILAR criteria (all subtypes)
* ≤18 years\*
* Active arthritis
* For sJIA, active disease not necessarily with arthritis.
* Time of start, restart or switch biologic therapy: e.g. failure, insufficient/partial response or intolerance

Cohort 3 - Stop Biologics

* JIA diagnosis as per ILAR criteria (all subtypes)
* ≤18 years\*
* Inactive disease
* Discontinuing/tapering biologics for inactive disease

Cohort 4: Extreme Phenotypes

* Unexplained systemic inflammation with arthritis/arthralgia as a part of manifestations
* High suspicion of genetic contribution
* Severely affected patients with difficult to control disease (ie failure of multiple biologics)

Exclusion Criteria:

Cohort 1 :

* Arthritis explained by another diagnosis
* Joint injections as previous treatment less than 4 weeks prior to enrollment

Cohort 2:

* Arthritis explained by any other cause
* Start on biologics as an indication for uveitis only

Cohort 3:

\- Tapering scheme \> 12 months to complete biologics stop

Cohort 4:

\- Arthritis explained by another diagnosis

Where this trial is running

Calgary, Alberta and 18 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 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.