Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Molecular Transcriptomics in Diagnosing Pediatric Kidney Transplant Rejection: the PANDA-Kids-ATLAS Study

This study, called PANDA-Kids-ATLAS, aims to improve how we diagnose kidney transplant rejection in children. Children who receive a kidney transplant often need several over their lifetime because these transplanted kidneys don't last forever. Currently, checking for rejection involves kidney biopsies, but these aren't always perfect. We're looking at special genetic information from existing biopsy samples to find new, more accurate ways to spot rejection early. By understanding these tiny genetic signals, we hope to help doctors give children more tailored treatments, improve the health of their transplanted kidneys, and enhance their overall quality of life. This research involves looking back at past samples and collecting new ones from different hospitals until late 2027.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation

Enrolment target

600

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2028

Kidney Rejection Transplant

What is this study about?

When a child receives a new kidney, their body can sometimes see it as a foreign object and try to reject it. This is called 'rejection' and it's a major reason why transplanted kidneys don't last as long as we'd like, often needing another transplant after about 12-15 years. Currently, doctors usually take a small sample (a biopsy) from the kidney to check for rejection. While helpful, these methods aren't always perfect and can sometimes miss early signs or be hard to interpret.

This study, called PANDA-Kids-ATLAS, wants to find better ways to detect kidney rejection in children. We're using a very clever new technology to look at tiny genetic messages within biopsy samples. Think of it like reading the kidney's own instruction manual to see if something is going wrong. By studying hundreds of samples from children who have had kidney transplants across different hospitals, we hope to build a more accurate 'fingerprint' for different types of rejection.

The main goal is to help doctors spot rejection much earlier and more precisely. This would mean deciding on the right treatment sooner, which could help children's transplanted kidneys last longer and improve their overall health and quality of life. We're collecting information from past biopsies (going back to 2014) and also from new biopsies until the end of 2027.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve kidney rejection diagnosis in children.
Uses advanced genetic tests on existing biopsy samples.
No extra procedures or medications needed for participants.
Could help transplanted kidneys last longer for young patients.
Information kept private and secure.
You can withdraw at any time without affecting care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and young people up to the age of 21 who have received a single kidney transplant. This means they've only had one kind of organ transplant – just a kidney, not a kidney alongside another organ like a liver or heart.

To join, a parent or guardian, and the young person if old enough, would need to give their permission in writing.

However, some young people would not be able to take part. For example, if they've had more than one type of organ transplant, or if their biopsy sample doesn't have enough tissue for the special testing we need to do.

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/your child aged 21 or under?
Have you/your child only had a kidney transplant (no other organs)?
Have you or your guardian given written permission to take part?
Is there enough tissue in the biopsy samples for testing?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your child are eligible and agree to take part, the main part of this study involves looking at kidney biopsy samples that have already been taken as part of your regular medical care, or samples that will be taken in the future if a biopsy is needed. This means you won't need to have any extra biopsies just for this study.

We will also be looking at your medical records to gather information about your health and how your transplanted kidney is doing over time. This includes information about your kidney function and any other health outcomes. There are no extra hospital visits or medications specifically for this study. Your participation simply allows researchers to use existing medical information and biopsy samples to learn more about kidney rejection. The study will collect information until December 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical risks from taking part in this study, as it uses existing biopsy samples and medical information, meaning no extra procedures for you or your child. The main benefit is that the findings from this research could lead to much better ways of diagnosing and treating kidney rejection in the future, helping many other children with kidney transplants. Your information will be kept strictly private and anonymous. You or your child can choose to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration (PITOR)
Verified postcode
Paris, France

Common questions

What is 'kidney rejection'?

Kidney rejection happens when your body's immune system sees the new kidney as foreign and tries to attack it. This can stop the kidney from working properly.

Will I or my child need extra tests for this study?

No, you won't need any extra tests or biopsies just for this study. We will use samples and information that have already been collected as part of your normal medical care.

How will this study help children with kidney transplants?

We hope to find better and earlier ways to diagnose kidney rejection. This could help doctors choose the best treatments sooner, making transplanted kidneys last longer and improving children's health.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, all your personal and medical information will be kept private and secure. All data used in the study will be anonymised, meaning your name won't be linked to the results.

Can I change my mind about participating?

Yes, you or your child can choose to stop participating in the study at any time, and this will not affect the medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Evgenia Preka, MD, PhDc

evgenia.preka@gmail.com +33 1 44 23 60 00 Official trial record

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