Theme 2: Prevention
Theme Synopsis
Prevention of CKD has been consistently identified as the top research priority by patients, caregivers, researchers and healthcare organisations. Patients with CKD are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer, yet evidence to support treatments that prevent CKD itself, or prevent patients from developing further life-threatening comorbidities, remains limited. BEAT-CKD includes Prevention as one of its 5 research themes in order to address this evidence gap.
Does Metformin slow the progression of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the 4th most common cause of kidney failure in Australia. Patients with ADPKD experience a high symptom burden including pain, anxiety, depression and poor quality of life, and yet there are very limited therapeutic options for slowing disease progression. Metformin is a safe, economical and readily-available drug which has been used to treat diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome. This multinational randomised trial will determine if metformin is effective at slowing cyst growth and disease progression in patients with ADPKD. Patient investigators have provided input on the trial design and will be engaged in trial conduct and implementation.