An Investigation of Pituitary Tumors and Related Hypothalmic Disorders (NCT00001595) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
An Investigation of Pituitary Tumors and Related Hypothalmic Disorders
United States2,000 participantsStarted 1997-04-21
Plain-language summary
There is a variety of tumors affecting the pituitary gland in childhood; some of these tumors (eg craniopharyngioma) are included among the most common central nervous system tumors in childhood. The gene(s) involved in the pathogenesis of these tumors are largely not known; their possible association with other developmental defects or inheritance pattern(s) has not been investigated. The present study serves as a (i) screening/training, and, (ii) a research protocol.
As a screening and training study, this protocol allows our Institute to admit children with tumors of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit to the pediatric endocrine clinics and wards of the NIH Clinical Center for the purposes of
(i) training our fellows and students in the identification of genetic defects associated with pituitary tumor formation, and
(ii) teaching our fellows and students the recognition, management and complications of pituitary tumors
As a research study, this protocol aims at
(i) developing new clinical studies for the recognition and therapy of pituitary tumors; as an example, two new studies have emerged within the context of this protocol: (a) investigation of a new research magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tool and its usefulness in the identification of pituitary tumors, and (b) investigation of the psychological effects of cortisol secretion in pediatric patients with Cushing disease. Continuation of this protocol will eventually lead to new, separate protocols that will address all aspects of diagnosis of pituitary tumors and their therapy in childhood.
(ii) Identifying the genetic components of pituitary oncogenesis; those will be investigated by (a) studying the inheritance pattern of pituitary tumors in childhood and their possible association with other conditions in the families of the patients, and (ii) collecting tumor tissues and examining their molecular genetics. As with the clinical studies, the present protocol may help generate ideas for future studies on the treatment and clinical follow up of pediatric patients with tumors of the pituitary gland and, thus, lead to the development of better therapeutic regimens for these neoplasms.
Who can participate
Age range
2 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.
. Male or female with:
. Evidence for the existence of a tumor of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit or related disorder, as indicated by previously obtained imaging studies or biochemical investigation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal function (aged 2 years to 70 years)
. Family members (any age) of patients with a family history of tumors of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit or related disorders as part of the linkage part of the study, or
. Members (any age) of a kindred suspected of having an inherited form of neoplasia of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit or related disorder, as evidenced by results of a patient enrolled in this protocol, as part of the linkage part of the study
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Molecular genetic testing, whole exome sequencing
Timeframe: ongoing
Trial details
NCT IDNCT00001595
SponsorEunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
. Ability of the subject or LAR to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria
. Pregnancy: Pregnancy will be evaluated only in participants of reproductive age (from 10 years old until 60 years of age unless menopause has already occurred per clinical report of the participant).
. Patients with any medical, physical, psychiatric, or social condition, which, in the opinion of the investigators, would make participation in this protocol not in their best interest, will be excluded from the study.
. Patients who are critically ill, unstable, or with severe organ failure that may affect/limit the endocrine evaluation and place unsustainable demands on CC or NICHD resources may be excluded.