An NHS research team in Teesside is set to “revolutionise patient care” by introducing genetic testing in a national study it is leading.
The research team at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, led by consultant orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon Dr Raghu Sidaginamale, is the main site coordinating the EXPLANT trial.
The trial is in collaboration with Dr David Langton, director of ExplantLab, a Newcastle-based Orthogenomic biotech company, who is at the forefront of this new development.
The National Institute of Health Research study evaluates the patient’s genomic sequencing along with a comprehensive analysis of the removed hip and knee implants, test blood metal ion levels, and a detailed histology of adjoining joint tissues from patients with failed joint replacements.
Mr Sidaginamale said: “ExplantLab has spearheaded the creation of genetic test tailored for clinical use, making them the world’s sole implant retrieval unit to offer such a transformative tool.”
“Following on from this successful project, the Trust has teamed up with Explantlab to begin this study, funded by Innovate Edge.
“In this UK-wide project, the researchers are aiming to identify genes which may place patients at greater risk of developing adverse immune responses to commonly used biomaterials such as Cobalt Chromium alloy, Stainless steel, Titanium, Ceramic and Oxinium.
“The ultimate aim is to further develop the genetic test to allow patients to be matched to the biomaterials most suited to them based on their DNA, something which will revolutionise patient care.”
The Trust opened the study for recruitment in August 2023 – with the team including project manager Laura O’Rourke, lead orthopaedic research nurse Eve Wilson, research nurse Debbie Wilson and clinical trials assistant Hillie Corr.
More hospital sites are being added with multiple arms of the research trial – recruiting both patients who have had redo surgery as well as asymptomatic patients.