Clinical implementation and Outcomes Evaluation of Blood-Based biomarkers for COPD management

Status Completed
Start date 2015
Location Canada
Researcher MacNamara, Elizabeth
Associated institution Jewish General Hospital, CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest de-l’Île de Montréal and McGill University
Summary

This project aimed to improve care for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by developing blood‑based tests that can identify individuals at risk of acute COPD exacerbations, often referred to as “COPD flare‑ups.” Because the symptoms of these episodes can resemble those of other respiratory or cardiac conditions, they are sometimes difficult to detect early.
The research team had previously identified promising DNA‑methylation biomarkers that could help diagnose or predict these exacerbations, and sought to validate them in a general population sample.
DNA from 96 CARTaGENE participants was analyzed at the McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre. After confirming data quality, the biomarker model developed in the discovery cohort was applied to the CARTaGENE samples.
The model also performed well in this cohort, supporting the potential of these biomarkers for future clinical use. The next steps will involve adapting the tests to a platform better suited for medical practice.

Themes
  • Chronic diseases
  • Genetics and genomics
Data types
  • Biochemical and hematological data
  • Biological samples
  • Physical and cognitive measures
  • Questionnaire data