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Understanding genetic factors in Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica

UK GCA Consortium: Clinical and Immunogenetic Characterization of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Observational University of Leeds · NCT04102930

This study is trying to find out if certain genes make people more likely to get Giant Cell Arteritis or Polymyalgia Rheumatica, focusing on patients aged 50 and older who have these conditions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment4500 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Leeds Academic / other
Drugs / interventionstocilizumab
Locations76 sites (Canterbury, Kent and 75 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04102930 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to characterize the clinical and immunogenetic aspects of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) by recruiting both prospective and retrospective patient cohorts. The primary goal is to identify genetic determinants that contribute to the susceptibility of these conditions, which could provide insights into their underlying mechanisms. Additionally, a subset of patients will be monitored in a post-marketing surveillance registry for those receiving tocilizumab for relapsing or refractory GCA. The study involves multiple centers and focuses on patients aged 50 and above, with a firm diagnosis of GCA or PMR.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 50 and over with a confirmed diagnosis of GCA or PMR.

Not a fit: Patients who are unwilling or unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of GCA and PMR, potentially reducing complications and enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in identifying genetic factors related to autoimmune conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Willing to self-identify an ethnic group, such as Caucasian, Asian, Afro-Caribbean.
* Have a firm clinical diagnosis of GCA or PMR, or (for patients identified prospectively) GCA or PMR should be more likely than any alternative explanation for the patient's symptoms.
* Able and willing to give informed consent. Patients will be 50 years of age or over, unless both biopsy-proven and a clinically classical case of GCA.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient unwilling or unable to give fully informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Canterbury, Kent and 75 other locations

+26 more sites — see ClinicalTrials.gov for the full list.

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.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Giant Cell ArteritisPolymyalgia Rheumatica
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.