Dr Eve Smith presenting to colleagues at the International Treat-to-Target (T2T) Consensus Meeting

The School of Infection & Immunity's Dr Eve Smith recently co-led an important milestone for paediatric rheumatology: the International Treat-to-Target (T2T) Consensus Meeting for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). 

This two-day workshop, supported by the Experimental Arthritis Treatment Centre for Children (EATC4Children) and held in Liverpool on Tuesday, 11 and Wednesday, 12 November, brought together rheumatology experts, nephrologists, and patient partners to shape the direction of a future T2T trial. 

The gathering was made possible through a Medical Research Foundation award to Clinical Senior Lecturer in Paediatric Rheumatology Dr Smith, recognising her as an Emerging Lupus Leader.

The award supports her TARGET LUPUS programme and international collaboration to advance paediatric lupus research. 

Dr Smith said: "Over two intense and inspiring days, experts from across the globe came together to shape the direction of a future T2T trial that could transform care for children living with lupus.

"It involved 24 paediatric lupus specialists, one adult SLE expert, two nephrologists, two incredible patient partners, ensuring the patient voice was central, and one internationally renowned trial statistician.

"The meeting was praised by participants for its collaborative spirit, meticulous preparation, and patient-centred approach. 

“As one colleague put it: ‘My greatest hope is that you now have enough data and thoughts to convince a funder to support the study that will scientifically confirm what we all already know – that T2T is an excellent way to give children with lupus an even better future.’”

Dr Eve Smith and colleagues at the International Treat-to-Target (T2T) Consensus Meeting

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees highlighting the robust preparatory work and methodology, noting that the tools developed were so well thought out that 20-plus experts only had minor additions – a testament to the quality of planning.

Patient partners expressed how honoured they felt to contribute, reinforcing the importance of patient involvement in research design.

Explaining why this work is so vital, Dr Smith added: "Treat-to-Target is a structured approach that sets clear treatment goals and monitors progress systematically. 

"For cSLE, this could mean earlier remission, fewer complications, and better long-term outcomes. 

"This meeting represents a critical step toward an trial that will generate the evidence needed to embed T2T into routine care. The Task Force will now refine consensus outputs and work on funding applications.

"The energy and commitment shown at this meeting give us confidence that this initiative will make a real difference for children with lupus worldwide.

“A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their expertise, passion, and time. Together, we are moving closer to a future where every child with lupus receives the best possible care.”

First published: 4 December 2025

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