On the ISRCTN registry, we use the term ‘condition’ to refer to a brief description of the disease, condition or healthcare domain being studied. This summary exists to provide a clear, concise focus for the study. A record might state ‘cardiovascular disease’ or ‘type 2 diabetes’ to indicate the specific health issue under investigation. 

The conditions covered in new studies evolve over time, as researchers secure new funding and advance their understanding of potential treatments.  

In the past year, our editorial team at the ISRCTN registry has observed a notable increase in registrations for several key health conditions. Anecdotal evidence from fellow editors suggests that there has been a significant rise in studies related to pre-term birth, reflecting growing concerns and research efforts in neonatal health. Dementia has also seen an increase in registrations, likely driven by the aging population and the urgent need for advancements in treatment and care. Mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety, have been increasingly prominent, possibly due to the ongoing global mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic. Additionally, breast cancer remains a critical area of focus, with numerous new trials aiming to improve early detection and treatment outcomes. 

Uncovering Trends 

Looking at data on conditions covered in individual studies from the ISRCTN Registry, we can identify trends in the conditions gaining more attention by comparing data between 2023 and 2024. 

In 2024, there was a rise in studies on acne vulgaris, more commonly known just as acne. This skin condition occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, leading to spots and, in some cases, scarring or pigmentation changes that may impact self-confidence. Recent studies consider various approaches, including gel treatments, giving lower doses of the common acne drug isotretinoin over longer periods of time, using food supplements, and providing online advice. 

Dental caries, or tooth decay, have also emerged as a key area of interest. The sociological aspect driving this is particularly intriguing – could the increase in studies reflect a higher incidence of tooth decay due to changes in the population’s diet, reduced public knowledge about dental care, or difficulty in accessing affordable dentistry? 

One study registered in 2024 by Queen Mary University of London will evaluate the impact of the sugar tax in the UK, which applies a higher rate of tax to drinks with sugar content above 8g per 100ml. This research will consider how the sugar tax influences the distribution of severe tooth decay across social groups, ethnic backgrounds, and living areas, in addition to assessing the economic benefits of the sugar tax. 

Condition Categories 

As well as tracking trends in studies reporting on specific conditions, we also monitor changes in distribution of studies across different condition categories.  

The "condition category" refers to a broad classification of the disease or health condition being studied, designed to help keep studies organized and help researchers and the public locate studies more easily. Examples of condition categories include "cardiovascular diseases," "mental and behavioral disorders," and "infectious diseases". 

The condition categories in the ISRCTN registry are based on the World Health Organization's ICD-10 classification system. ICD-10, or the tenth revision of the International Classification of Diseases, is a globally recognized standard for coding and categorizing diseases and health conditions, ensuring consistency across studies worldwide.  

2024 saw a 13% increase in the number of studies in the Mental and Behavioral Disorders category. This reflects our editorial team’s observations of a rise in studies on dementia, depression, and anxiety last year. It also may reflect action taken by governments and authorities responding to the WHO’s wake-up call that the Covid-19 pandemic triggered a 25% global increase in anxiety and depression prevalence. We expect this trend to continue over the next few years in the UK, with substantial funding being awarded by the NIHR to the South Wales and South-West England Hub, Teeside University and the University of Hull. These efforts focus on diagnosing and treating mental disorders, with specific provisions for substance abuse-related conditions, and diet-related conditions, and targeting underserved communities. 

Other categories with increased study volumes during 2024 were Oral Health, which tallies with the uptick in studies on dental caries, and Surgery, which saw a 23% increase compared with the same period in 2023. 

Taking our lead from patients 

Looking at the studies currently being registered is only one facet of identifying conditions to watch as we head into 2025. Understanding the changing needs of patients and the public is also crucial to get the full picture.  

ISRCTN collaborates closely with Be Part of Research, an initiative set up to help people find and sign up to clinical studies actively recruiting participants across the UK.  

The kinds of studies searched for on the site change over time as awareness grows, researchers’ understanding of conditions evolves and media coverage builds into new areas. This year, we know that the public are increasingly searching for studies recruiting participants with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Long Covid, ADHD and Type 2 Diabetes. 

Conclusion  

As funding priorities shift, levels of public attention grow and new research breakthroughs emerge, the number of studies on certain conditions registered with ISRCTN will fluctuate over time. As ISRCTN enters its 25th anniversary year, we remain committed to serving researchers and patients by ensuring that studies remain as transparent and easy to access as possible. 

To further explore emerging trends on ISRCTN, read this blog’s companion piece, ‘Evolving Trends – Interventions To Watch’ which highlights the treatments, procedures, and diagnostic tools we have seen more of over the past year.