TB-CAPT progress meeting and data unblinding
From 02 – 04 October 2023 the TB-CAPT consortium convened for a face-to-face progress meeting in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, hosted by our local partners from Ifakara Health Institute.
On day 1, a high-level summary of the overall status and timeline of remaining project activities set the scene for in-depth presentations of the individual work packages. Following a presentation on the primary analysis for the TB-CAPT XDR study, which evaluates diagnostic accuracy and feasibility of the Xpert MTB/XDR cartridge in comparison to the current standards of care, we looked at the status of the ongoing EXULTANT trial. EXULTANT investigates the added value of expanded diagnostic testing for hospitalised people living with HIV. Recruitment for this trial is in full swing at the moment, aiming for completion in the next months. Progress updates of the two additional work packages “capacity building” and “dissemination” rounded up the first meeting day.
Day 2 saw the data unblinding session for the TB-CAPT CORE trial, which looked at how modern TB diagnostics can be applied in primary healthcare clinics, and their potential impact on patient care. The results were very exciting and will be presented at the upcoming EDCTP Forum.
The last meeting day began with a site visit to clinics that contributed to the TB-CAPT CORE study. All visitors, especially clinical staff from partner sites in South Africa and Mozambique, appreciated the opportunity to see in person how the day-to-day work of their colleagues is carried out. Several work sessions that took place in smaller groups in the afternoon concluded the meeting.
In summary, the TB-CAPT consortium meeting was a very successful event. It provided an opportunity for partners to come together, discuss progress, and share lessons learned. The results of the CORE trial are particularly exciting, and we look forward to sharing them with the wider TB community at the upcoming EDCTP Forum in Paris, France, on November 7-10.
