Advancing Treatment for C3G; Targeting the Complement System for Personalized Kidney Care - Episode 18
Treating the Whole Patient: Addressing the Broader Unmet Needs in C3G Management
Panelists discuss how the complexity of diagnosing C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), the need for long-term treatment options, and the importance of addressing unmet needs, including the psychological impact on patients and families, highlights the challenges and future directions in improving care for these individuals.
Video content above is prompted by the following: Discussion on C3G Treatment and Challenges
The conversation highlighted various aspects of managing C3G, with an emphasis on treatment options, diagnosis, and unmet needs in patient care.
Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges:
- Diagnosing C3G can be complicated due to the need to differentiate between acquired and genetic forms of the disease.
- Current treatment options focus on long-term therapy, but the uncertainty of how long treatment should continue remains a challenge.
Psychosocial Impact:
- C3G patients, especially young adults, face significant psychological challenges due to the uncertainty surrounding their disease and its impact on their future, such as career development, education, and family support.
- Mental health and psychosocial support are critical. This includes addressing not just the disease itself but the broader emotional and social impacts of living with a chronic condition.
Unmet Needs in Pediatric Care:
- The pediatric population presents a key unmet need. Current studies (e.g., the VALIANT and APPEAR C3G studies) focus on patients aged 12 and older, but younger children with C3G (ages 7-9 years) also need treatment and safety data.
- There is a need for the development of pediatric-friendly formulations of medications, such as liquid forms for those unable to swallow pills.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Early diagnosis is crucial. Physicians should strive to identify C3G in the general population earlier to prevent the progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and improve patient outcomes.
- The ultimate goal is to prevent patients from needing dialysis by catching the disease early.
Future Directions and Precision Medicine:
- While there has been significant progress in treatment options for C3G, the next phase of research should focus on identifying which patients will benefit most from specific therapies.
- Precision medicine approaches will be critical in advancing the care for C3G and other glomerular diseases.
Conclusion
The discussion concluded with optimism about ongoing research and the potential to dramatically improve the outcomes for C3G patients through early intervention and personalized treatment strategies.
