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Standardised Treatment Regimen of Anti-TB Drugs for Patients with MDR-TB (STREAM)

The need for accessible, effective MDR-TB treatment is urgent, as the incidence of MDR-TB continues to rise, and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) has been reported in 57 countries. While TB has been curable for more than 60 years, drug-resistant strains are far more difficult and costly to treat. Currently used treatment regimens can take up to two years to complete, placing a heavy burden on both patients and health systems.  The TREAT TB-sponsored STREAM study aims to address this major challenge.  The objective of the trial is to determine whether a standardised nine month MDR-TB treatment regimen used effectively in one country under study conditions resulting in excellent treatment outcomes can be used without modification in additional, different settings with comparable success.  The trial will provide important evidence to inform MDR-TB treatment recommendations from global technical agencies, including WHO and The Union.  The composition of the STREAM Trial Steering Committee can be found here.

Research Period: 2010-2013
Primary Research Partners: Medical Research Council – United Kingdom, Institute of Tropical Medicine – Antwerp, Ministries of Health in study locations
Status: Ongoing
 

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