Osteoarthritis is rapidly becoming the most common chronic disease in the Netherlands by 2040. Currently, 1.5 million people already have osteoarthritis, and that number continues to rise. Because the disease develops differently in each person, a personalized treatment approach is urgently needed. This requires insight into both the characteristics of the individual and the progression of the disease. Until now, that insight has been lacking.
Towards personalized treatment
The TopTreat research focuses on a personalized approach to osteoarthritis. Within this research, a detailed mapping is made of how people with osteoarthritis feel, how they move, how their disease develops, and which medication is most effective for whom. This involves the use of existing technologies such as a ‘joint-on-a-chip’, precise measurements of biomarkers (substances in the body that indicate the disease), movement analyses with sensors, and computer models of joint movements and the load on the cartilage.
Because physical, psychological, and social factors all play a role in disease and health, the researchers focus on the full spectrum: from the cellular level to overall well-being. Moreover, the research is conducted in consultation with the patients themselves. All these aspects are included in the work packages set up within the TopTreat research.
In total, 500 people will be followed for 3 years. This includes people with advanced osteoarthritis, as well as two groups at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. These are people with a damaged or removed meniscus, and people with a leg amputation.
Partners
Several partners are involved with this research. A list of these partners and their involvement can be found here:
Osteoarthritis Research Morning
On Sunday, September 14, a morning session on osteoarthritis research took place at the Sint Maartenskliniek in Nijmegen. During this morning, prof. dr. Bart van den Bemt (Sint Maartenskliniek) and dr. Martijn van den Bosch (RadboudUMC) each gave a presentation. The slides from both presentations can be found below.