Rheumatology Research
The Biologics Team are a team of specialist nurses who look after patients who are on Anti-TNF or Biologic drugs, and other immunosuppressive therapies such as Mycophenolate, Cyclosporin etc. They have a large cohort of patients on treatment, and have gained significant expertise in managing Biologic therapies and working within NICE guidance over the last 10 years.
They receive referrals from their Consultant and Rheumatology Practitioner colleagues for patients who are not responding adequately to Disease Modifying drugs such as Methotrexate.
They assess patients to see if they are suitable for Biologic therapies. Assessments include DAS (disease activity scores), BASDAI (Ankylosing Spondylitis assessment tool).
Patients are carefully screened with blood tests and x-rays before commencing Biologic therapies, and also have a medical review by one of our Senior Registrars in our Initiation clinic. They provide detailed education regarding Biologic therapies, and patients have the opportunity to discuss the medication prior to starting treatment.
Once on treatment, they monitor progress and response every 3-6 months in our biologics monitoring clinics.
They run a telephone advice line, taking calls and providing specialist knowledge and advice to patients, carers, GP’s and other health professionals about the management of Biologic therapies.
The advice line number is (01603 287786) and is open Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00
In addition, they link closely with the Clinical Trials and Research Nurses who are embedded in the team and run a busy programme of drug trials and other research projects. They assist in the recruitment of patients for clinical trials and are pleased to be able to offer suitable patients the chance to participate in world wide trials of new, effective medications which are not yet available in routine clinical practice.