Can we predict how genetic ataxias progress?

NCT ID NCT01060371

First seen Aug 03, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study follows people with several types of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) — rare genetic diseases that cause balance, coordination, and speech problems — to learn how these conditions change over time. Researchers will collect blood samples, perform neurological exams, and use MRI scans to find the best ways to measure disease progression. They will also look at whether other genes influence how the disease behaves. The goal is to better understand these diseases and improve tools for future clinical trials.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Observational study with genetic testing, blood collection, MRI scans, and assessments
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to better ways to measure disease progression and identify genetic factors that influence how these ataxias develop, aiding future treatment trials.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study, so it won't test a treatment. Results may take years and might not directly lead to new therapies.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Columbia University

    RECRUITING

    New York, New York, 10032, United States

  • Emory University

    RECRUITING

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30320, United States

  • Harvard University

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

  • Houston Methodist

    RECRUITING

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • John Hopkins University

    RECRUITING

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Le Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal

    RECRUITING

    Montreal, Quebec, 30153, Canada

  • Nortwestern University

    RECRUITING

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

  • University of California Los Angeles

    RECRUITING

    Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

  • University of California San Francisco

    RECRUITING

    San Francisco, California, 94115, United States

  • University of Chicago

    WITHDRAWN

    Chicago, Illinois, 60637, United States

  • University of Florida

    RECRUITING

    Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States

  • University of Michigan

    RECRUITING

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

  • University of Minnesota

    ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

  • University of Pennsylvania

    RECRUITING

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States

  • University of South Florida

    RECRUITING

    Tampa, Florida, 33620, United States

  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States

  • University of Washington

    RECRUITING

    Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States

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