New scan could spot 'Invisible' brain tumors in Cushing's patients

NCT ID NCT04569591

Recruiting now Diagnosis Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a special PET scan, combined with a drug called desmopressin, can find tiny pituitary tumors that standard MRI scans miss in people with Cushing's disease. About 22 participants will receive the drug and a radioactive tracer, then undergo imaging. The goal is to see if this method accurately locates tumors, which could help surgeons remove them more effectively.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a new way to locate small pituitary tumors that are invisible on MRI, helping surgeons remove them more precisely.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 22 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The PET scan may still miss some tumors or give false positives.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome Cushing disease due to pituitary adenoma pituitary gland adenoma Pituitary Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CUSHING'S DISEASE PITUITARY ADENOMA

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

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Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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