RecruitingPhase IIIInterventional

Investigating whether prolonged antibiotics can prevent permanent Pseudomonas infection in bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a lung condition where people get coughs and chest infections. A common bacteria, Pseudomonas, can cause long-lasting lung infections that are hard to get rid of, even with many antibiotics. These infections often lead to more frequent flare-ups and hospital stays. This study aims to find out if giving powerful antibiotics early on can prevent Pseudomonas from settling in permanently. We're looking for adults aged 18 and over with bronchiectasis who have recently had a new Pseudomonas infection. Half will get the special antibiotic treatment, and half won’t, to see if it helps reduce flare-ups and improve their quality of life. This research could help doctors better manage Pseudomonas infections in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Phase III

Sponsor

University of Dundee

Enrolment target

326

Start

09 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

31 May 2028

Bronchiectasis

What is this study about?

Bronchiectasis is a lung condition that can make you cough a lot and get frequent chest infections. One particular type of bacteria, called Pseudomonas, can cause these infections. Once Pseudomonas takes hold, it can be very difficult to get rid of, even with strong antibiotics. These long-lasting Pseudomonas infections can lead to more frequent flare-ups of your bronchiectasis symptoms, meaning you might feel worse more often and need more treatments, sometimes even hospital care.

Because permanent Pseudomonas infections are so hard to clear and cause so many problems, doctors are looking for ways to stop them from becoming permanent in the first place. This study, called ESCAPE, wants to see if we can prevent this by giving a strong course of antibiotics early on, as soon as a new Pseudomonas infection is found. Think of it like trying to deal with a problem before it gets too big and difficult to solve.

We hope to find out if this early and intensive antibiotic treatment can reduce the number of times people have flare-ups of their bronchiectasis, improve their symptoms, and potentially reduce the need for hospital visits. The results of this study will help doctors understand the best way to manage newly detected Pseudomonas infections in people with bronchiectasis and guide future treatment recommendations.

Key takeaways

This study investigates early antibiotic treatment for new Pseudomonas lung infections in bronchiectasis.
It aims to prevent permanent infection and reduce flare-ups.
Participants aged 18+ with a recent new Pseudomonas infection are needed.
Treatment involves an intensive course of antibiotics followed by inhaled antibiotics for 3 months.
The study hopes to improve future guidelines for managing Pseudomonas in bronchiectasis.
Participation lasts for 24 months, with monitoring of symptoms and infections.

Who may be eligible?

For this study, we are looking for adults aged 18 or older who have bronchiectasis. This means your lung condition has been officially diagnosed, usually by a special type of X-ray called a CT scan.

A key part of joining is that you must have recently (within the last six months) been diagnosed with a new Pseudomonas infection in your lungs. This could be your very first Pseudomonas infection, or it could be a new infection after you had previously cleared Pseudomonas for at least a year. You also shouldn't currently be taking inhaled antibiotics or have used them in the past six months.

We cannot include everyone, for example, if you have a different lung condition called cystic fibrosis, or if your Pseudomonas infection has become very long-term and hard to clear. We also need to make sure you are generally well enough to take part and follow the study instructions, and that you are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with bronchiectasis by a doctor?
Have you had a new Pseudomonas infection confirmed in your lungs in the last 6 months?
Are you currently not taking inhaled antibiotics, and haven't used them in the past 6 months?
Are you able to attend appointments and provide samples?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be sorted into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. One group will receive a special antibiotic treatment. This treatment involves taking a combination of antibiotics, sometimes as tablets or through a drip, followed by using an antibiotic delivered through a nebulizer machine (which turns liquid medicine into a fine mist you breathe in) for three months. The other group will not receive this specific treatment, but will continue to get usual care for their bronchiectasis as recommended by their doctor.

Over the next two years, we will ask you to provide sputum samples (phlegm) so we can check for Pseudomonas. We will also ask you to fill in questionnaires about your symptoms and how you are feeling. We will monitor how many flare-ups you have and whether you need to go to hospital. The study will run until June 2030, but your individual follow-up will be for 24 months.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you could be helping to find a better way to treat Pseudomonas infections in people with bronchiectasis, which could improve care for many patients in the future. Any treatment you receive will be given according to standard medical guidelines, so there are no known extra risks beyond what you would experience with regular medical care. Like with all antibiotics, there's a chance of side effects, which your doctor will discuss with you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (19)

Ninewells Hospital
Approximate
Dundee, Scotland
University Hospital of North Tees
City only
Stockton-on-tees, England
University Hospital Southampton
City only
Southampton, England
Kings Mill Hospital
Approximate
Sutton-in-ashfield, England
Wythenshawe Hospital
Approximate
Manchester, England
Prince Philip Hospital
Unverified
Llanelli, Wales
University of Greater Manchester Medical School
Unverified
Bolton, England
University Hospital Hairmyres
Unverified
East Kilbride, Scotland
Bristol Royal Infirmary
Unverified
Bristol, England
Antrim Area Hospital
Unverified
Antrim, Northern Ireland
Royal Gwent Hospital
Unverified
Newport, Wales
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Carlisle, England

Common questions

What is Pseudomonas?

Pseudomonas is a common type of bacteria that can cause lung infections in people with bronchiectasis, making their symptoms worse.

What is a 'flare-up'?

A flare-up, or exacerbation, is when your bronchiectasis symptoms like cough and breathlessness suddenly get worse and you usually need extra treatment.

Will I know if I'm getting the new treatment?

No, you won't know which group you're in. This helps us get fair and unbiased results.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is being funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

Who can I contact for more information?

You can email Dr Gillian Martin at ESCAPE-TM@dundee.ac.uk or Prof. James Chalmers at j.chalmers@dundee.ac.uk.

How to find out more

Gillian Martin

ESCAPE-TM@dundee.ac.uk +44 (0)1382 381955 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.