Boston, MANCT07090226Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Systemic Scleroderma Clinical Trial in Boston, MA

Access cutting-edge systemic scleroderma treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Boston. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Boston University

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Expert Care in Boston

Access systemic scleroderma specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related systemic scleroderma treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this systemic scleroderma clinical trial in Boston, MA

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Boston

    Convenient for MA residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Boston site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Systemic Scleroderma Study in Boston

Scleroderma (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis (or collagen deposition) of the skin and internal organs. The extent of skin fibrosis is an important predictor of internal organ complications and increased mortality. Currently a very imprecise, subjective method that varies amongst different doctors for the same patient is used to quantify skin fibrosis in patients, by "pinching" their skin and assessing how thick it is; this is the method used to determine the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). A previous plot study was conducted by the investigators to determine if spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI), a method of light scattering, could be used to measure the collagen content in the skin of SSc patients. This non-painful, noninvasive method takes very little time and the investigators hypothesized that it would be more accurate than the "pinching" method. For that pilot study, patients with various stages of the disease were selected, and SFDI was used to image 6 areas. A forearm skin biopsy was taken for subsequent histopathology analyses of collagen content. The clinical mRSS was assessed at the time of SFDI measurement. Optical property imaging data was analyzed and statistically correlated and analyzed with immunohistochemistry (a method of identifying proteins) of the skin. Preliminary results demonstrated a strong correlation between mRSS and SFDI. Some of the imaging parameters of the SFDI were modified based on the initial results. Initial results demonstrated that the device can detect increases in skin thickness observed in SSc skin.

Sponsor: Boston University

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Scleroderma (SSc) participants must have been diagnosed with SSc as defined by the American College of Rheumatology within the past 2-5 years AND fulfill criteria for diffuse cutaneous SSc according to LeRoy classification
Healthy controls must be free of SSc or other autoimmune disease and have no known skin pathology

Exclusion Criteria

Diagnosis of skin malignancy within the previous 2 years, excluding adequately treated squamous cell skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, and carcinoma in situ.
Presence of wounds or skin rashes at the site of Spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) measurement or skin biopsy
Presence of other co-morbid illnesses with an estimated median life expectancy \< 5 years. Exclusion criteria for providing a skin biopsy sample during the study but are not exclusions for enrollment in the study.
Subject has known allergy to lidocaine or has had a reaction to local anesthetics in the past will not provide skin biopsy samples at any time during the study.
Subjects who, in the opinion of the investigator, are high-risk for small tissue calcification, or other conditions that may affect wound healing will not provide skin biopsy samples at any time during the study.
Subjects who are pregnant or lactating are excluded from providing a skin biopsy sample only while they are pregnant or lactating.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Boston?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT07090226) has an active research site in Boston, MA that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Systemic Scleroderma Treatment Options in Boston, MA

If you're searching for systemic scleroderma treatment options in Boston, MA, this clinical trial (NCT07090226) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Boston research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced systemic scleroderma specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all systemic scleroderma clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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