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The SHIELD Study-silicosis

Recruiting
Conditions
Silicosis
Registration Number
NCT05546944
Lead Sponsor
The University of Queensland
Brief Summary

An observational cohort study to derive biomarkers which are able to more accurately diagnose silicosis, as well as predict disease progression, assess response to treatment, and hasten therapeutic discovery.

Detailed Description

Background: Silicosis is a fatal lung disease caused by inhaling silica particles. Australia is currently facing an epidemic with hundreds of young workers having contracted silicosis from machining engineered stone. AIMS: To establish the SHIELD COHORT and associated SHIELD BIOBANK to drive further discovery including assessing the efficacy of whole lung lavage for accelerated silicosis, uncovering disease biomarkers, and druggable targets.

PARTICIPANTS: 75 participants who are respirable crystalline silica exposed workers, (this includes n=30 with silicosis, n=15 with progressive massive fibrosis and n=30 with no pneumoconiosis). METHODS: Advanced microscopy, 'omic platforms and single cell RNA sequencing. OUTCOME: The SHIELD study builds on the knowledge gap to accurately diagnose silicosis, as well as predict disease progression, assess response to treatment, and hasten therapeutic discovery

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
120
Inclusion Criteria
  • All workers with a history of significant engineered stone exposure will be potentially eligible.
Exclusion Criteria

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
the SHIELD study primary outcome is to build up knowledge gap to accurately diagnose silicosis, as well as predict disease progress, assess response to treatment, hasten therapeutic discovery in 12 months.12 months

1. Establish the SHIELD cohort and associated lung fluid, tissue and blood biobank from well phenotyped RCS-exposed workers identified via the screening programs.

2. Utilise advanced microscopy, 'omic platforms and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) alongside conventional laboratory techniques, to identify and validate candidate lung and blood biomarkers associated with disease and disease progression at 12 months.

3. To evaluate associations between baseline characteristics, biomarkers and progression of disease in the full cohort.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

The Prince Charles Hospital

🇦🇺

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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