ON-FIRE Study Launches to Uncover Blood Biomarkers for Frontotemporal Dementia

FTD is a devastating group of conditions that affect behaviour, language, and movement, often striking at a younger age than other forms of dementia. Researchers found that in people with FTD, as well as other dementias, brain inflammation is a key mechanism and is linked to a more rapid progression of the disease. Thus, targeting inflammation may help slow or prevent clinical decline.

The ON-FIRE study, led by Dr Maura Malpetti at the University of Cambridge, brings together a dedicated research team, including Roosmarijn Frohn and Julia Goddard, who are helping coordinate this multi-site initiative across the UK. "We've shown that specialised blood tests can detect inflammation that is related to brain changes in people living with FTD," explains Dr Maura Malpetti. "But to develop effective treatments, we need to validate these markers and possible targets in diverse and population-representative cohorts of people living with this condition."

What makes ON-FIRE unique is its nationwide approach. Rather than limiting research to major academic centres, the study aims to create a collaborative network across more than 20 UK sites, including both specialist and non-specialist research and healthcare settings. Following months of preparatory work, the team is now conducting site initiation visits across the UK to expand recruitment beyond Cambridge. This ensures that participation is possible for people from diverse communities and locations who might otherwise be excluded from cutting-edge research.

The study will collect blood samples and clinical data from up to 1,000 participants – both people with FTD and healthy volunteers. By analysing these samples, researchers hope to identify distinctive inflammatory "fingerprints" and other blood-based signatures that may vary across FTD subtypes and relate to disease progression.

"Current methods to measure brain inflammation are either invasive, requiring spinal fluid, or expensive, like specialised brain scans," notes Dr Malpetti. "Reliable blood tests would transform how we diagnose, monitor, and eventually treat FTD."

Part of the core goals of the study is to create an open-source resource for FTD research, making data and samples available through the Data Portal of the Dementias Platform UK (DPUK). This will ensure that all ON-FIRE centres, academic and industry partners will have access to cutting-edge research methods and data, and encourage new studies and collaborations.

The study was recently featured in a BBC story where Sir Jackie Stewart, founder of Race Against Dementia, described the research as "groundbreaking," and Dr Richard Oakley of Alzheimer's Society highlighted the importance of early and accurate diagnosis for people with dementia.

The research is supported by Alzheimer's Research UK, the Kissick Family Foundation, Race Against Dementia, and other philanthropic supporters.

If you or someone you know would like to participate in the ON-FIRE study, please speak to your healthcare provider about a referral or contact the research team directly at onfire@medschl.cam.ac.uk.