GCA and Current Clinical Trials

0:00
1:06 Introducing Sebastian Unizony, MD.
2:39 What is Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
4:28 How GCA commonly presents.
9:46 Options to make a diagnosis.
12:34 Current treatments.
13:38 Questions about GCA.
14:20 Q: After being on a treatment plan for two years with no flares is there a chance of losing vision as prednisone is reduced?
16:42 Q: Temporal artery ultrasound and other advanced imaging techniques are they not subject to the “skipping” that biopsies can be subject to, and miss the diagnosis?
18:18 Q: What is the most common diagnostic test used for monitoring ongoing disease?
20:11 Q: Are there any genetic depositions for GCA?
21:38 Q: Can you talk about the relapse rate for GCA?
23:57 Audience Survey: Experience with clinical studies.
25:06 Understanding clinical trials.
26:27 Studying treatment options for GCA.
27:08 Understanding random controlled trials (RCT)
28:23 Clinical Trials 101-- A Glossary.
34:46 Ethical and scientific principles and guidelines.
38:30 Vasculitis clinical trials.
39:41 Recent clinical trials, current clinical trials, future perspectives.
40:34 Abatacept (orenica) for GCA.
41:25 Mavrilimumab for GCA.
42:06 Secukinumab (consentyx) for GCA.
43:53 Ongoing study of abatacept.
44:13 Ongoing study of upadacitinib (rinvoq).
44:20 Ongoing study of guselkumab (tremfya).
44:37 Ongoing study of tozcilizumab and methotrexate.
44:52 GUSTO Study (Switzerland) Can we use less than six months of steroids?
47:30 Ultimate goal of clinical trials in GCA in the near future.
49:03 Three online resources.
50:06 What is the difference between clinical studies and research?
51:27 Are newly diagnosed patients allowed to participate in clinical studies?
What role does a treating physician play in clinical studies?
54:27 Why should I participate in a clinical study if my current treatment protocol is working?
57:21 Are there any post-morten studies being conducted?
58:47 Thank you and wrap up.
GCA and GCA Clinical Trials
Recorded January 2024
A diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) often brings more questions than answers. It also presents an opportunity for patients to change the trajectory of living with this disease for themselves and others. As patients seek to navigate this disease, they can join the collective effort for better treatments and a cure by participating in research, like the current GCA clinical studies through the National Institute of Health (NIH).
In this one-hour live webinar, Sebastian Unizony, MD, will take audience questions about GCA. He will also discuss some of the exciting GCA clinical research studies.
You will learn:
· A brief, clinical overview of GCA, covering diagnosis, treatment, and management of this vasculitis. A Q&A will follow the presentation.
· What is typically involved in clinical studies and why patient participation is so critical for their success?
Finally, Dr. Unizony will discuss a few of these studies especially focused on GCA.
Download a PDF copy of the webinar presentation: www.vasculitis...
Expand your knowledge of vasculitis. Visit the Vasculitis Foundation website at: www.vasculitis...

[@MsOrillia]

Thank you Dr Unizony and the VF. There is much to learn and understand about CFA. I appreciate the work you are doing towards treatment and living well with GCA.

[@vasculitisfoundation]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@andrewtaylor9799]

Thanks for posting this, it is very informative.

[@vasculitisfoundation]

So glad you found this helpful. I wanted to share some other GCA related resources you may find useful.
1. GCA playlist of all of our GCA related videos/webinars: ruclips.net/p/PLr6Bwau6uSmuggeIfFje-4xcOzwQ-RQ0Q
2. GCA information on our website
3. Treatment guidelines for GCA www.vasculitisfoundation.org/giant-cell-arteritis-gca-takayasu-arteritis-tak-guidelines/ (Plain language versions of the GCA guidelines will be available soon.)
4. The Vasculitis Foundation also offers virtual support groups and in-person conferences where you can learn more about GCA and meet other people who are living with vasculitis.
Support Groups: www.vasculitisfoundation.org/living-well/find-support/
In-Person Conference: www.vasculitisfoundation.org/connect/conferences/

[@brianfarquharson8958]

I missed the original webinar but thank you VF and Dr Unizony for this follow publication.

[@vasculitisfoundation]

You're welcome. We know you will enjoy the video. Dr. Unizony shared a lot of great information.

[@1malons]

Jaw, tongue pain "without chewing". Couldn't open my mouth!. Went on about 3 weeks into prednisolone 60mg, about 4am would start, and only stop when dose was taken. Then eased off. I always thought i needed higher dose initially to bring it under control. But never got it! 😢

[@vasculitisfoundation]

So sorry to hear about the pain you suffered from GCA. We hope your GCA is well-controlled now.

[@1malons]

@@vasculitisfoundation Thank you. The pain was under control for GCA. Then the side affects, withdrawal, from the steroids kicked in fast. So for the next 2.8 years, all sorts induced by steroids, in my opinion cropped up. From psychosis to debilitating fatigue. I am now off the steroids now 11months, and trying to rebuild my life, mentally and physically. But still living with a lot of pain from taking them, and what they have caused. GCA is now in remision. I just wish we were told of the devastating side affects that can happen taking corticosteroids, steroids. And trying to get any answers from professionals regarding steroid side affects was just impossible! They just look at you as if you're mad.! Just a bit of feedback for you. Many thanks for videos.