Advances in Osteoarthritis Patient Stratification: A publication by NetwOArk

Accurate classification of osteoarthritis (OA) patients is key to improving diagnosis and developing personalised treatment strategies. NetwOArk is an initiative dedicated to establishing a European Society for Osteoarthritis, with the aim of coordinating and stimulating more interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, technological development and translation of the results to the clinic, aimed at improving the quality of life of those affected by OA in Europe. One of the initiative’s focus areas, diagnostics, has made significant advancements in patient stratification, refining how OA patients are categorized based on clinical and biological factors. With two of SINPAIN’s consortium partners contributing to NetwOArk’s working groups, this effort aligns closely with our commitment to advancing OA research and developing innovative solutions for patients.

Why Patient Stratification Matters

Osteoarthritis is a complex and highly heterogeneous disease, meaning that patients experience different symptoms, disease progression rates, and responses to treatment. A precise classification system is crucial for:

• Personalised Treatment: Grouping patients helps clinicians refine therapies and improve treatment effectiveness.
• Predicting Disease Progression: Understanding patient subtypes allows for better disease progression prediction and enables more targeted interventions.

NetwOArk’s latest publication reviews existing classification methods and proposes a framework that integrates multiple factors, including clinical symptoms, imaging findings, and biochemical markers. The aim is to move beyond traditional, symptom-based classification toward a more comprehensive model that captures the full complexity of OA. This approach will help pave the way for precision medicine in OA care, ensuring that patients receive the right treatment at the right time.

Collaboration for a Stronger OA Research Community

SINPAIN strongly supports initiatives like NetwOArk, which contribute to a shared understanding of OA and the establishment of a European Society for Osteoarthritis. By working together, we can accelerate innovation, improve patient outcomes, and make meaningful strides toward more effective, personalised treatments for OA.