This program provides family members of individuals with familial ALS the opportunity to contribute to research focused on learning more about why motor neuron degeneration begins and how or why it progresses. This study provides genetic counseling and testing to help participants understand and manage their risk and determine if they want to learn their genetic status. This study will follow unaffected ALS gene mutation carriers on an annual basis to gather essential information that will ultimately help researchers develop novel therapies for the prevention and treatment of ALS.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 105 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:
* Men or women of any race or ethnicity aged 18 or older
* No symptoms of ALS or fronto-temporal dementia at enrollment
* Scenario 1: has already had genetic testing that identified an ALS-spectrum gene mutation.
* Scenario 2: has a first degree relative who was/is an obligate carrier of a familial ALS-spectrum gene mutation.
* Scenario 3: has a first degree relative who has/had an ALS-spectrum diagnosis who had a confirmed ALS-spectrum gene mutation or comes from a family with a high burden of ALS-spectrum diagnoses and a known ALS-spectrum gene mutation.
* Scenario 4: is deemed to be at high risk for carrying an ALS-spectrum gene mutation as judged by a review of the family structure and genetic information by the study team.
* Willing to undergo genetic analysis, with option of whether or not to learn results
* Willing to travel to Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) every 6-24 months for study procedures
* Capable of providing informed consent and following study procedures, or has a legally authorized representative who is able to consent for the subject.
Exclusion Criteria for participation in biosample portion of the study:
* Known HIV
* Known hepatitis B
* Known hepatitis C
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
Time to emergence of symptoms attributable to gene mutations