Effects of Hormone Stimulation on Brain Scans for Cushing s Disease
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2018-06-12
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Background:
- Cushing s disease can be caused by a tumor of the pituitary gland, a small gland about
the size of a pea located at the base of the brain. These tumors produce high levels of
hormones, which cause obesity, diabetes, and growth problems. The cure for this type of
Cushing s disease is to have surgery that removes the tumor but leaves the pituitary
gland alone. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging scans are the best way to find these
tumors. However, many of these tumors do not show up on the scan.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scans use radioactive chemicals to light up parts of
the body that are more active, such as tumors. Researchers want to try to make the small
Cushing s disease tumors more active to help them show up on the scans. A special
hormone will be given before the scan to make the tumors more active.
Objectives:
- To test the use of hormone stimulation to improve brain scans for Cushing s disease tumors.
Eligibility:
- Individuals at least 8 years of age who will be having surgery to remove Cushing s disease
tumors.
Design:
- Participants will be screened with a medical history, physical exam, blood and urine
tests, and imaging studies.
- They will have three brain scans before surgery. The first scan is a magnetic resonance
imaging scan to show a full picture of the brain. The second and third scans are PET
scans.
- The first PET scan will be given without the special hormone. The second PET scan will
be done more than 24 hours but less than 14 days after the first PET scan. The second
PET scan will be given with the special hormone.
- Participants will have tumor removal surgery through another study protocol.
Phase:
Early Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)