A Longitudinal Analysis of Biomarkers in Patients with ALS
Study Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to longitudinally collect blood, urine, and CSF (optional) from ALS patients/healthy volunteers to look for potential new biomarkers. Biomarkers will be tested over time in anticipation of identifying new biomarkers, which may help us to diagnose and monitor people with ALS, and to learn about potential causes and treatments for ALS.
Disease:
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Familial ALS, Sporadic ALS, Healthy Volunteer, Asymptomatic ALS gene carriersStudy Type:
Observational StudyStudy Category:
Biomarkers/ImagingStudy Status:
EnrollingPhase:
Not ApplicableStudy Chair(s)/Principal Investigator(s):
James D. Berry, MD, MPH (Massachusetts General Hospital)
Clinicaltrials.gov ID (11 digit #):
Neals Affiliated?
NoCoordinating Center Contact Information
Massachusetts General HospitalLisa Ramdas / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) / (617) 724-9196
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 165 Cambridge Street
Full Study Summary:
A biomarker is a molecule found in the body that we can measure and use to monitor a disease state. Biomarkers are found in blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as other soft tissues. We would like to see how levels of different biomarkers change over time in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Several potential biomarkers for ALS have been identified in blood from small groups of people with ALS. Through this study, we hope to test these potential biomarkers over time, look for new ones which may help diagnose and monitor people with ALS, and learn about potential causes and treatments for ALS. We are collecting samples from subjects with ALS, asymptomatic ALS gene carriers, and healthy volunteers without a neurological disease to be used for comparison. An asymptomatic ALS gene carrier is someone who has an ALS causing gene, but no apparent symptoms of ALS. Other outcome measures include demographics and medical history completion, ALSFRS-R questionnaire, and Slow Vital Capacity test.
Study Sponsor:
Participant Duration:
Visits occur every 3 months for a maximum of 7 visits. Visits are typically 1-2 hours.