Sarcoidosis causes clumps of immune cells to form in organs, most often the lungs and lymph nodes, though it can affect the heart, skin, eyes, and nervous system. About half of people see it resolve on its own within a few years. Others need treatment with steroids or other immune-suppressing drugs, and some develop chronic organ damage.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing newer immune drugs originally developed for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, including JAK inhibitors and TNF blockers like adalimumab and infliximab. Researchers are also studying whether targeting specific immune pathways can treat sarcoidosis while causing fewer side effects than long-term steroids, and what blood markers predict who will need ongoing treatment.
JAK inhibitors
Pills that block JAK enzymes, already used for arthritis, are being tested for chronic sarcoidosis that hasn't responded to steroids. Early results suggest they may reduce inflammation in the lungs and skin.
Cardiac sarcoidosis
Studies are testing PET imaging to detect heart involvement earlier and immune drugs to prevent dangerous heart rhythm problems. Cardiac sarcoidosis can cause sudden death, so better detection and treatment are urgent needs.
Biomarkers
Researchers are looking for blood tests that predict which people will have disease that goes away versus disease that becomes chronic. This could help avoid unnecessary treatment in some people and start treatment earlier in others.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on which organs are affected, disease severity, whether steroids have been tried, and how active the disease is on imaging or lab tests.
What types of trials are currently open
- Immune therapy trials — Testing drugs like adalimumab, infliximab, and JAK inhibitors to see if they control sarcoidosis better than steroids or allow people to reduce steroid doses.
- Lung function trials — Studies measuring whether treatments improve breathing tests, reduce cough, or prevent scarring in people with lung sarcoidosis.
- Cardiac trials — Testing treatments specifically for heart involvement, often using imaging to track inflammation and heart function.
- Skin and eye trials — Studies of treatments for sarcoidosis affecting the skin or eyes, where visible symptoms can be tracked.
- Natural history studies — Following people with sarcoidosis over time to understand how the disease progresses and what factors predict outcomes.
Recently added Sarcoidosis trials
Take steroids while gradually reducing your dose under medical supervision
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition affecting many different parts of the body but most commonly the lungs. It is not known what causes sarcoidosis. In some patients no treatment is needed but in other patients long term treatment may be required. One of the main medications used to manage this condition is corticosteroids. This medication has been shown to be very effective at reducing inflammation in this condition and many patients often remain on it for months to years. Unfortunately, there are many negative long-term side effects of corticosteroid use. This includes an increased risk of developing diabetes, reduced bone density, weight gain, high blood pressure and low muscle mass. Currently there are no guidelines for how steroids should be weaned in patients who have stable sarcoidosis. The investigators aim to undertake a study at the Royal Brompton Hospital which will be assessing two different steroid tapering regimens which will be allocated to participants in a randomised manner. This will be the first study to directly evaluate different steroid weaning regimens in sarcoidosis patients. The main aim of this study is to determine how many participants can reduce their prednisolone dose to less than 50% from their baseline dose. Additionally, the investigators will be recording how many participants require an increase in dose or an additional medication whilst on the prednisolone weaning regimen. The investigators will also see the tolerability of steroid withdrawal and assess for any symptoms of steroid withdrawal. In a small subset of participants the investigators will assess for any changes in body composition and muscle strength using bioelectrical impedance analysis and isometric muscle testing.
Donate samples to help researchers understand immune cells in lung disease
This study aims to better understand the role of immune system cells in lung diseases such as lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The investigators are studying how these immune cells can sometimes help the body defend itself, but in other cases may contribute to cancer growth or long-term lung inflammation. Although recent treatments like immunotherapy have improved cancer care, only a small proportion of patients currently benefit from these therapies. One goal of this research is to understand why some patients do not respond or develop resistance to treatment. The knowledge gained from this study may help researchers develop more effective and personalized treatments for people with lung diseases in the future.
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