The very first biopsies in the Start project were a starting shot for the operational part of an ambitious research work. If you want, it will make major contributions to diagnostics and treatment for patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Caption: Start collects clinical data, including through biopsy, for information that can lead to better treatment of rheumatic diseases. Erlend Holm-Nordlie in white. Photo: Nicolas Tourrenc
The goal is to identify early markers to ensure faster diagnoses and personalized treatment.
Start is led by senior researcher and rheumatologist Silje Watterdal Syversen, with PhD fellow Erlend Holm-Nordli as a key player. Both are affiliated with the Remedy research center at Diakonhjemmet Hospital.
Collection of data and biobank
The study involves a comprehensive collection of clinical data, including blood samples, joint fluid and biopsies from people with new arthritis (less than 12 weeks duration).
The material is stored in a biobank, and patients fill out questionnaires through a digital platform, Viedocme.
Holm-Nordli, who leads the inclusion of patients, elaborates:
-So far we have included nine patients, and we have already learned a lot about our procedures. This has helped us optimize the data collection and strengthen the study operation.
He adds that there has been great efforts from the entire rheumatology department.
- We benefit from the great work that has been put into the preparation of biobank facilities and the raising competence related to the processing of biological material, he says. - The collaboration with research support/CTU and biobank coordinator Julie Røkke Osen has also been among the conditions for success.
First biopsy taken
January 13, the first biopsies in the study were taken. The biopsy team , with Guro Løvik Goll and Hilde Berner Hammer in the lead (literally (💉), have secured good logistics to process and store the material.
- This is a big step forward for the project, says Syversen. - It shows that we are well in the process of collecting valuable information that can contribute to a better understanding of the disease process.
Prepared for larger inclusion
Start has received funding from Health South-East and support from Remedy and Diakonhjemmet Hospital. The study was ready to open for the inclusion of several patients from 1 February 2025.
-We have worked thoroughly to establish biobank facilities, procedures and a digital tool to record data, explains Holm-Nordli. - It lays the foundation for including a large number of patients in an efficient and quality assured way.
A forward -looking project
The Start project is an important contribution to research on inflammatory arthritis, with a view to early diagnosis and personalized treatment.
By collecting and analyzing large amounts of data, the team aims to develop better treatment. They rely on partners in the basic environment, for example, at OUS and UiO to carry out the project.
Syversen explains that the project has the potential to provide innovative insight into how we treat patients with inflammatory arthritis.
- We are excited about what the future will bring, says Silje W. Syversen.
