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Breathe Easier With Tadalafil Therapy for Dyspnea in COPD-PH (BETTER COPD-PH)

Primary Purpose

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary Hypertension, Dyspnea

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phase
Phase 2
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Tadalafil
Placebo
Sponsored by
VA Office of Research and Development
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease focused on measuring COPD, cigarette smoke, lung, echocardiography, chest CT, physical activity, spirometry, dyspnea, clinically important deterioration

Eligibility Criteria

35 Years - 89 Years (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria: Outpatients with COPD, defined as airflow limitation with post-bronchodilator obstruction on baseline visit spirometry, identified by FEV1/FVC < 70% or < the lower limit of normal (5th percentile of a normal population based on Global Lung Function Initiative reference equations), OR any emphysema on chest CT noted in a clinical radiology report confirmed by study investigator review. Eligible subjects must have PH documented as follows: -Main Pulmonary Artery/Ascending Aorta (PA/A) diameter > 1.0 on clinically available CT scans AND transthoracic echocardiography showing normal LVEF with no evidence of moderate-severe aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation or diastolic dysfunction. Previous CT scan and echocardiogram done within 12 months of enrollment. OR -echocardiography done within 12 months of enrollment demonstrating PA sys > 40 mmHg AND normal LVEF with no evidence of moderate-severe aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation or diastolic dysfunction Eligible subjects must be dyspneic, as quantitated by a score of at least 10 on the baseline UCSD Shortness of Breath Questionnaire, assessed at the time of the screening visit. Treatment with at least one long-acting bronchodilator for at least 4 weeks, assessed at the time of the screening visit by chart review and patient interview. AGE 35-89 Years Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of PH in the following subgroups of the updated WHO Clinical Classification: Group 1 (Idiopathic, heritable, drug- or toxin-induced, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension associated with connective tissue disease, congenital heart disease), Group 2 (left atrial hypertension), Group 3 PH not attributable to COPD, Group 4 (chronic thromboembolic PH) or other forms of PH not associated with primary lung disease. Systemic hypotension in the ambulatory setting (at least 3 reproducible measurements of systolic BP <89 mmHg, recorded by a health care provider over 1 week). 3. Moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B and C). 4. Severe renal insufficiency (GFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2) 5. Echocardiography showing moderate or greater aortic stenosis (aortic valve area <1.0 cm2), moderate-severe mitral regurgitation, or diastolic dysfunction (Any two of the following: Average E/e' >14, Septal e' velocity < 7 or lateral e' velocity <10, LA volume index > 34 ml/m2). LVEF < 50%. 6. Any acute or chronic impairment (other than dyspnea) that limits ability to comply with the study requirements. 7. Current unstable angina, myocardial infarction or stroke within 6 months. 8. Requirement for nitrate therapy for any clinical indication. 9. Active prescription for a PDE-5 inhibitor or other pulmonary vasodilator other than oxygen as a PH treatment. 10. History of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or crowded optic disc noted on ophthalmology examinations recorded in CPRS. 11. Contraindications: PDE-5i allergy, penile anatomical deformations, sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia, bleeding disorders, active peptic ulcer disease, retinitis pigmentosa or other retinal disorders. In accordance with 38 USC 7332, this information will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed in presentations, publications, or any other dissemination of the study results, or to anyone outside of the IRB-approved study team. 12. Use of any of the following: protease inhibitor, anti-fungal agent, rifampin. 13. Pregnant or breastfeeding women. 14. Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease 16. Hypoxia (reproducible ambulatory SaO2 < 90% on supplemental oxygen at rest recorded by a health care provider over 1 week). 17. Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea without a prescription for treatment. 18. Newly prescribed (less than 4 weeks duration) bronchodilator or diuretic therapy or new enrollment in pulmonary rehabilitation at the time of Screening. 19. Students, VA employees, persons with impaired decision making, illiterate and non-English speakers, and terminally ill patients. 20. Nonadherence to accepted GOLD guidelines for treatment of COPD. 21. COPD or CHF exacerbation within the past 4 weeks. 22. On-going therapy with doxazosin.

Sites / Locations

  • Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO
  • Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA
  • VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
  • Omaha VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE
  • Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm Type

Placebo Comparator

Active Comparator

Arm Label

Placebo

tadalafil

Arm Description

Encapsulated placebo one or 2 encapsulated tablets po QD

one or 2 encapsulated tablets of encapsulated tadalafil (20MG) po QD

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

severity of patient-reported dyspnea
Assessed by the University of California-San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (UCSD-SOBQ). Score range = 0-120 with higher scores indicating worse outcomes. Minimum score for inclusion in the study is 10.

Secondary Outcome Measures

physical activity
assessed by objective average daily step count using actigraphy
clinically important deterioration
Defined as the presence or absence of at least one of the following: increase > 4U in the total health-related quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ), decreased FEV1 of > 100mL, or moderate-severe acute exacerbation of COPD
functional exercise capacity
6 minute walk distance, defined as the distance walked in meters in 6 minutes

Full Information

First Posted
June 27, 2023
Last Updated
August 7, 2023
Sponsor
VA Office of Research and Development
Collaborators
VA Boston Healthcare System, Atlanta VA Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT05937854
Brief Title
Breathe Easier With Tadalafil Therapy for Dyspnea in COPD-PH
Acronym
BETTER COPD-PH
Official Title
Effect of PDE5 Inhibitor on Respiratory Symptoms in COPD Complicated by Pulmonary Hypertension
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
August 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Not yet recruiting
Study Start Date
October 18, 2023 (Anticipated)
Primary Completion Date
June 1, 2027 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
December 1, 2027 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
VA Office of Research and Development
Collaborators
VA Boston Healthcare System, Atlanta VA Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
Yes
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Product Manufactured in and Exported from the U.S.
Yes
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The investigators will study whether the drug tadalafil improves shortness of breath in 126 Veterans with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and high blood pressure in the lungs. The investigators will also assess whether tadalafil improves quality of life, home daily physical activity, exercise endurance, the frequency of acute flares of COPD, blood pressure in the lungs, and lung function. Veterans who enroll in the trial will be allocated by chance to either active tadalafil or an inactive identical capsule (placebo). Neither the Veteran nor the investigator will know whether the Veteran is taking tadalafil or placebo. Veterans will be followed closely in clinic or by telephone at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months, with attention to side effects and safety. At 1,3, and 6 months the investigators will repeat the questionnaires and testing of blood pressures in the lung and lung function. The investigators anticipate that the results of this study will determine whether tadalafil improves shortness of breath when added to usual medications for COPD.
Detailed Description
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the US and is common among Veterans. Dyspnea, a debilitating symptom of COPD, dramatically worsens health related quality of life, is associated with a reduction in daily physical activity and greater health care utilization and is more closely associated with survival than severity of airflow limitation. Thus, it is important to have effective treatments that reduce dyspnea for Veterans with COPD. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of COPD that is associated with severe dyspnea, more frequent acute exacerbations of COPD, and increased mortality. There are multiple causes of PH associated with COPD (COPD-PH), including decreased bioavailable levels of the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO). Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE-5i) therapy restores NO signaling and improves cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and dyspnea among patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. However, studies of PDE-5i medications in COPD-PH have shown conflicting results due to differing doses or durations of therapy and differing definitions of PH. In a prior study (ClinicalTrials.gov.identifier: NCT01862536), the investigators investigated the effects of up to 12 months of oral PDE-5i therapy with tadalafil on 6 minute walk distance (6MWD), a measure of exercise capacity in Veterans with COPD-PH, in a multi-center randomized placebo-controlled trial funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs. While tadalafil did not change 6MWD at 6 and 12 months (the primary outcome), the treatment group experienced changes in important secondary outcomes, with clinically meaningful improvement in patient-reported dyspnea and COPD-related health related quality of life after 6 months of therapy. Additionally, over 6 months, dyspnea worsened in the placebo group, and patients receiving PDE-5i therapy suffered fewer exacerbations. A limitation of this study was its small sample size. Given the importance of mitigating dyspnea among patients with COPD, the investigators will assess the effect of maximally tolerated therapy with tadalafil specifically on dyspnea powered as a primary outcome. In 126 participants with COPD-PH (63 treatment and 63 placebo) receiving usual clinical care for COPD, the investigators propose to evaluate effects of tadalafil on dyspnea among patients with COPD-PH in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Aim 1: As primary outcome, the investigators will determine whether 6 months of daily oral tadalafil is more effective than placebo in reducing severity of patient-reported dyspnea, assessed by the University of California-San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (UCSD-SOBQ), in Veterans with COPD-PH. The investigators hypothesize that patients receiving tadalafil will report less dyspnea than those receiving placebo. Aim 2: As a secondary outcome, the investigators will determine the effectiveness of tadalafil therapy on physical activity, assessed by objective daily step count, and functional capacity, assessed by 6MWD. The investigators hypothesize that patients on tadalafil therapy will have improved physical activity and functional capacity. Aim 3: As a secondary outcome, the investigators will also assess the effects of tadalafil therapy on time to clinically important deterioration, a validated composite outcome defined as increase > 4U in the total health-related quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ), decreased FEV1 of > 100ml, or moderate-severe acute exacerbations of COPD. The investigators hypothesize that Veterans with COPD-PH receiving tadalafil will be less likely to have clinically important deterioration. Aim 4: In exploratory analyses, the investigators will assess whether changes in noninvasive measures of PH (CT scan, cardiac echo) are associated with changes in dyspnea. The investigators hypothesize that patients receiving tadalafil will have decreased PA/A ratio on CT scan, and decreased ePASP on echocardiography. This study may provide evidence for a new therapy for dyspnea in COPD complicated by PH.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary Hypertension, Dyspnea
Keywords
COPD, cigarette smoke, lung, echocardiography, chest CT, physical activity, spirometry, dyspnea, clinically important deterioration

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 2
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Model Description
double blind placebo-controlled
Masking
ParticipantCare ProviderInvestigatorOutcomes Assessor
Masking Description
Participants will be assigned a study code
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
126 (Anticipated)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Placebo
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
Encapsulated placebo one or 2 encapsulated tablets po QD
Arm Title
tadalafil
Arm Type
Active Comparator
Arm Description
one or 2 encapsulated tablets of encapsulated tadalafil (20MG) po QD
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Tadalafil
Other Intervention Name(s)
Adcirca, Cialis
Intervention Description
one or 2 encapsulated tablets of encapsulated tadalafil (20MG) po QD
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Placebo
Intervention Description
one or two encapsulated tablets of placebo po QD
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
severity of patient-reported dyspnea
Description
Assessed by the University of California-San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (UCSD-SOBQ). Score range = 0-120 with higher scores indicating worse outcomes. Minimum score for inclusion in the study is 10.
Time Frame
6 months
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
physical activity
Description
assessed by objective average daily step count using actigraphy
Time Frame
6 months
Title
clinically important deterioration
Description
Defined as the presence or absence of at least one of the following: increase > 4U in the total health-related quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ), decreased FEV1 of > 100mL, or moderate-severe acute exacerbation of COPD
Time Frame
6 months
Title
functional exercise capacity
Description
6 minute walk distance, defined as the distance walked in meters in 6 minutes
Time Frame
6 months
Other Pre-specified Outcome Measures:
Title
Pulmonary artery to aorta diameter ratio
Description
measured on low dose CT scan
Time Frame
6 months
Title
Estimated PA systolic pressure in mm Hg
Description
measured by echocardiography
Time Frame
6 months

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
35 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
89 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Outpatients with COPD, defined as airflow limitation with post-bronchodilator obstruction on baseline visit spirometry, identified by FEV1/FVC < 70% or < the lower limit of normal (5th percentile of a normal population based on Global Lung Function Initiative reference equations), OR any emphysema on chest CT noted in a clinical radiology report confirmed by study investigator review. Eligible subjects must have PH documented as follows: -Main Pulmonary Artery/Ascending Aorta (PA/A) diameter > 1.0 on clinically available CT scans AND transthoracic echocardiography showing normal LVEF with no evidence of moderate-severe aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation or diastolic dysfunction. Previous CT scan and echocardiogram done within 12 months of enrollment. OR -echocardiography done within 12 months of enrollment demonstrating PA sys > 40 mmHg AND normal LVEF with no evidence of moderate-severe aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation or diastolic dysfunction Eligible subjects must be dyspneic, as quantitated by a score of at least 10 on the baseline UCSD Shortness of Breath Questionnaire, assessed at the time of the screening visit. Treatment with at least one long-acting bronchodilator for at least 4 weeks, assessed at the time of the screening visit by chart review and patient interview. AGE 35-89 Years Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of PH in the following subgroups of the updated WHO Clinical Classification: Group 1 (Idiopathic, heritable, drug- or toxin-induced, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension associated with connective tissue disease, congenital heart disease), Group 2 (left atrial hypertension), Group 3 PH not attributable to COPD, Group 4 (chronic thromboembolic PH) or other forms of PH not associated with primary lung disease. Systemic hypotension in the ambulatory setting (at least 3 reproducible measurements of systolic BP <89 mmHg, recorded by a health care provider over 1 week). 3. Moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B and C). 4. Severe renal insufficiency (GFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2) 5. Echocardiography showing moderate or greater aortic stenosis (aortic valve area <1.0 cm2), moderate-severe mitral regurgitation, or diastolic dysfunction (Any two of the following: Average E/e' >14, Septal e' velocity < 7 or lateral e' velocity <10, LA volume index > 34 ml/m2). LVEF < 50%. 6. Any acute or chronic impairment (other than dyspnea) that limits ability to comply with the study requirements. 7. Current unstable angina, myocardial infarction or stroke within 6 months. 8. Requirement for nitrate therapy for any clinical indication. 9. Active prescription for a PDE-5 inhibitor or other pulmonary vasodilator other than oxygen as a PH treatment. 10. History of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or crowded optic disc noted on ophthalmology examinations recorded in CPRS. 11. Contraindications: PDE-5i allergy, penile anatomical deformations, sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia, bleeding disorders, active peptic ulcer disease, retinitis pigmentosa or other retinal disorders. In accordance with 38 USC 7332, this information will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed in presentations, publications, or any other dissemination of the study results, or to anyone outside of the IRB-approved study team. 12. Use of any of the following: protease inhibitor, anti-fungal agent, rifampin. 13. Pregnant or breastfeeding women. 14. Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease 16. Hypoxia (reproducible ambulatory SaO2 < 90% on supplemental oxygen at rest recorded by a health care provider over 1 week). 17. Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea without a prescription for treatment. 18. Newly prescribed (less than 4 weeks duration) bronchodilator or diuretic therapy or new enrollment in pulmonary rehabilitation at the time of Screening. 19. Students, VA employees, persons with impaired decision making, illiterate and non-English speakers, and terminally ill patients. 20. Nonadherence to accepted GOLD guidelines for treatment of COPD. 21. COPD or CHF exacerbation within the past 4 weeks. 22. On-going therapy with doxazosin.
Central Contact Person:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Sharon I Rounds, MD
Phone
(401) 273-7100
Email
sharon.rounds@va.gov
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Ronald H Goldstein, MD
Phone
(857) 203-6578
Email
Ronald.Goldstein@va.gov
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Sharon I Rounds, MD
Organizational Affiliation
Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO
City
Aurora
State/Province
Colorado
ZIP/Postal Code
80045
Country
United States
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Edward Dempsey, MD
Phone
303-399-8020
Email
edward.dempsey@va.gov
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Matthew Griffith, MD
Phone
3033998020
Email
matthew.griffith@va.gov
Facility Name
Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA
City
Decatur
State/Province
Georgia
ZIP/Postal Code
30033-4004
Country
United States
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Cherry Wongtrakool, MD
Phone
404-321-6111
Email
Cherry.wongtrakool@va.gov
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Mohleen Kang, MD
Phone
4043216111
Email
Mohleen.kang@va.gov
Facility Name
VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
City
Boston
State/Province
Massachusetts
ZIP/Postal Code
02130-4817
Country
United States
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Ronald H Goldstein, MD
Phone
617-323-7700
Email
ronald.goldstein@va.gov
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Eric Garshick
Phone
6173237700
Email
eric.garshick@va.gov
Facility Name
Omaha VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE
City
Omaha
State/Province
Nebraska
ZIP/Postal Code
68105-1850
Country
United States
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Ruxana Sadikot, MD
Phone
402-346-8800
Email
ruxana.sadikot2@va.gov
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Kristina Bailey, MD
Phone
4023468800
Email
kristina.bailey@va.gov
Facility Name
Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI
City
Providence
State/Province
Rhode Island
ZIP/Postal Code
02908-4734
Country
United States
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Matthew D Jankowich, MD
Phone
401-273-7100
Email
matthew.jankowich@va.gov
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Gaurav Choudhary, MD
Phone
(401) 273-7100
Ext
12029
Email
Gaurav.Choudhary@va.gov
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Sharon I Rounds, MD

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
Yes
IPD Sharing Plan Description
Publications of results will be available to the public. The principal investigator will share de-identified datasets, statistics, and results collected from this proposal by depositing these data at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) PubMed Central website repository as this is a VA supported data repository. Additional documentation including metadata that will include information about the methodology and study procedures used to collect the data, details about code, definition of variables will also be included.
IPD Sharing Time Frame
Above will be shared upon approval of the study.
IPD Sharing Access Criteria
Individual participant data will be shared within one year of publication of results.

Learn more about this trial

Breathe Easier With Tadalafil Therapy for Dyspnea in COPD-PH

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