Precision medicine research offers hope that future patients will be placed on the most effective medication to alleviate their symptoms explains Ricky Chotai

I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 25 years old. Unlike many, who wait an average of seven years according to a survey of LUPUS UK members, I was fortunate to receive my own diagnosis within a few months. Unfortunately, my mother wasn’t as lucky, experiencing a similar diagnosis in her twenties but facing a much longer path to confirmation. Now, I am trying to raise awareness and support other patients with lupus through my work as a LUPUS UK Trustee.

Upon diagnosis, patients typically receive medications to manage their symptoms, such as joint pain and rashes. For conditions like lupus and many chronic inflammatory diseases, this is just the beginning of a journey as the rheumatologist explores treatment options. My lupus treatment journey included:

• Anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen;
• Hydroxychloroquine for fatigue, skin and joint problems;
• Steroid tablets, injections, and creams for kidney inflammation and rashes;
• And immunosuppressant or biological medications, sometimes used for severe cases to help regulate the body’s immune system.

Most people begin with hydroxychloroquine, the most cost-effective medication with the fewest side effects for the majority of individuals. However, it may not alleviate symptoms for everyone, requiring consideration of immunosuppressant or biological therapies. During this period, many patients experience “active disease” which can affect various organs. In my case, my kidneys were at risk.

Unfortunately, there’s currently no recommended treatment plan based solely on each patient’s symptoms. Consequently, patients tend to cycle through a range of immunosuppressant or biological medications, each with unpleasant side effects compounded by the existing condition’s symptoms. This process can be incredibly challenging, and due to the severity of my illness, I experienced it while hospitalised.

This is why I am passionate about precision medicine research. It offers hope that future patients will be placed on the most effective medication to alleviate their symptoms, bypassing the trial-and-error approach. I am excited to play a small role in helping design this research by offering my perspective as a patient to Dr Madenidou and the rest of the research team at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

The future of research in precision medicine is exciting as we can now utilise new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) with the ultimate aim of helping patients have a much quicker and easier diagnosis and the correct medication regime.

• For more information on LUPUS UK visit lupusuk.org.uk or tel 01708 731251.

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