In a separate protocol the Department of Genetic Medicine is proposing to carry out a study using gene transfer to treat the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL), a fatal, rare, recessive disorder of the (CNS) in children. In the context that there is little known about the genotype - phenotype correlations of LINCL, and that our referral far exceed the number (n=11) of children that will be entered into the gene transfer protocol, we are proposing to capitalize on this unique opportunity to evaluate this disorder in this separate study. In this context, the aim of this protocol is to study the genotype - phenotype correlations of the CNS manifestations of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. This will be accomplished by comparing the genotype to a neurologic assessment, and LINCL clinical rating scale; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) assessments of the CNS; and routine clinical evaluations.
Who can participate
Age range
2 Years – 18 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:
* A definitive diagnosis of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
* Between the age of 2 and 18 years
* Not previously participated in a gene transfer study for LINCL.
* Parents of study participants must agree to comply in good faith with the conditions of the study, including attending all of the required baseline and follow-up assessments.
* Both parents or legal guardians must give consent for their child's participation in the research study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Individuals with heart disease that would be a risk for anesthesia.
* Concurrent participation in any other FDA approved Investigational New Drug clinical protocol is not allowed, although the Principal Investigator will work with other doctors to accommodate specific requests (e.g., a study of nutritional supplements probably would not be a disqualification).
* Individuals who have a contraindication to MRI/MRS assessment including: (1) heart pacemaker and/or related implants; (2) metal fragment/chip in the eye or other sites; (3) an aneurysm clip in their brain; and (4) metallic inner ear implants.
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
Correlation analysis between genotype (genetic constitution) and baseline
Timeframe: 18 months
Trial details
NCT IDNCT00151268
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University