Birmingham researchers are to set to collaborate on a study that could result in a rapid non-invasive diagnostic test to quickly and accurately identify stroke patients who need time-critical treatment before irreversible brain damage occurs.
Funded by the Stroke Association, the Golden HOur for STroke (GHoST) study will involve the West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust and industry partner Marker Diagnostics. A successful outcome could also revolutionise the way emergency treatment for stroke is managed.
Rapid transfer to hospital and diagnosis is incredibly important if stroke is suspected. Time lost is brain lost, which is why rapid diagnosis and treatment are key to reducing risk of death and severity of disability. Some treatments, such as thrombolysis (clot busting drugs) or mechanical thrombectomy (manual clot removal) are most effective when administered within hours of symptom onset.
Ambulance personnel currently use symptom checklists to identify stroke, with a full assessment usually taking place at a Hyperacute Stroke Unit and followed by transfer to a specialist neuroscience unit for treatment. In the UK, this transfer can add at least an hour to the treatment pathway.
The GHoST study, led by Professor Antonio Belli, Professor of Trauma Neurosurgery at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Inflammation & Ageing, aims to identify biomarkers (small molecules) in blood, urine, or saliva, that will enable rapid diagnosis so patients can be routed directly to the most appropriate treatment centre.
Professor Belli’s research team has previously identified that the concentration of specific molecules in saliva changes rapidly after a traumatic brain injury. A three-year study in elite rugby established that these biomarkers can be used in next-generation diagnostic tests that can rapidly and reliably detect concussion.
He explained: “Our previous studies detected ultra-early biomarkers and cellular responses that had never been reported in human studies before and resulted in a non-invasive diagnostic test that could change the way concussion is managed. In conjunction with our industry partner Marker Diagnostics, we’re now looking to repeat this success with stroke.”
The GHoST study will use the same methodology as these previous highly successful trials. Trained paramedics will collect saliva, blood and urine samples from patients with suspected stroke within the first hour after the onset of symptoms. Further sampling of blood, saliva and urine will continue in hospital, while patients receive standard clinical care.
The research team will pay particular attention to salivary small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs). These small molecules, which are abundant in saliva, were probably the most exciting discovery in previous studies, which showed that they could be used in tests to differentiate between concussed and non-concussed patients.
The funding from the Stroke Association will include support from biotech company Marker Diagnostics UK to bring their Birmingham Biohub lab’s sncRNA discovery and commercialisation expertise into the study. Marker has already developed a CE-certified concussion test for adult males following the ground-breaking research from the University of Birmingham, and Marker’s research scientists will use a proprietary sncRNA collection, analysis technology and IP to develop a commercial and adoption pathway for any tests that may arise from this research.
While the GHoST study will be the first to investigate whether there are sncRNAs that are specific to stroke, previous studies have confirmed stroke-specific RNA biomarkers in the blood.
The researchers hope to identify sncRNAs that will accurately identify stroke and distinguish it from stroke-mimicking conditions, such as seizure or migraine, which account for 30-40% of emergency ambulance admissions with suspected stroke.
They will also be investigating whether biomarkers can differentiate between the two main types of stroke (ischaemic and haemorrhagic) which need diametrically different treatment. Ischaemic stroke, caused by a blood clot, accounts for over 80% of strokes and requires either clot-busting drugs or the surgical removal of the blood clot via an artery (thrombectomy), while haemorrhagic strokes, caused by a brain bleed, may require brain surgery.
Dr Richard Francis, Head of Research at the Stroke Association, said: “We are excited to be funding this study because it has the potential to reduce death and disability caused by strokes, both in the UK and around the world. Currently, paramedics in the UK rely on the FAST test to assess whether someone is having a stroke.
“In the absence of brain scanning equipment, FAST is the best diagnostic tool we have. This diagnostic test offers the potential to diagnose stroke in patients more quickly, enabling suitable patients to receive appropriate treatment speedily, therefore, leading to better outcomes.”
It’s essential to contact emergency services immediately if a stroke is suspected. The world-famous stroke acronym, FAST helps people to recognise the signs and symptoms of a stroke: Face, Arms, Speech, and Time (to call an ambulance) – Act FAST.
Dr Francis added: ”FAST is not perfect. At the moment, paramedics can mis-diagnose other conditions, such as seizures, as stroke, and not all stroke patients have FAST symptoms.
“Having a saliva test would be a massive step forward in pre-hospital diagnosis for stroke and really help people to get the right diagnosis, to get to the right hospital for the right treatment and in the quickest time. The potential success of this trial may also massively benefit countries without ready access to brain scanning equipment.”
The study will run for three years, with results expected in late 2026.
