London patient helps guide trial to improve dialysis outcomes

New London-based clinical trial is hoping to improve outcomes for patients living with kidney failure. CTV’s Lauren Stallone has more.

For nearly three years, Frank Ansell has been living with the harsh realities of dialysis.

“For about 10, 12, 14 hours after dialysis, I am worthless,” Ansell said. “I see people sitting across from me having dialysis that get up and drive a city bus afterwards, I leave dialysis in a wheelchair.”

Ansell, who once spent his days travelling, now dedicates his time to helping transform treatment for future patients.

As a patient advisor, he works alongside researchers in London, Ont., who are testing a new dialysis filter they believe could help people live longer, healthier lives.

“They want to make sure that what they are proposing from their perspective would be fine from a patient’s perspective,” he explained.

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for millions of people with kidney failure. Using a special filter, the process removes waste, salt and fluid from the blood, essentially doing the work of a kidney.

Experts warned the treatment can be grueling, with most patients requiring sessions at least three times a week.

“We’re doing the study to determine if removal of these toxins with these new filters actually helps people live longer, stay out of the hospital, and feel better,” said Dr. Pavel Roshanov, a scientist at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute.

Roshanov pointed out that half of all dialysis patients are expected to die within five years of starting treatment. A major reason, he said, is that current filters are not as effective as natural kidneys.

“There are things they do not remove, and we hope these new ones will work with more of those toxins,” he said.

Unlike standard filters, the new generation is designed to remove larger toxins from the blood, substances too big to pass through traditional filter pores.

The five-year study, called DIALEX, will include up to 4,800 patients across more than 100 dialysis units in Canada. Participants will randomly receive either the standard filter or the new filter, and researchers will track symptoms and outcomes.

For Ansell, the trial represents more than just science. It’s a chance to give back.

“This opportunity was presented to me about two years back, and it behooves me to give back to my community,” he said.

And while his days of travelling are on hold, Ansell said this journey is just as meaningful.

“It’s like a country club of friends, it’s like you’re in a pub except no one’s drinking and the patients are chit-chatting,” said Ansell. “For how bad the experience is, it’s actually a beautiful experience.”