Scientists hunt for genetic clues behind childhood pituitary tumors
NCT ID NCT00001595
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Sep 09, 2026 · Updated 13 times
Summary
This study aims to uncover the genetic causes of pituitary and hypothalamic tumors in children. Researchers will collect blood and tumor samples from up to 2,000 participants to analyze DNA and look for inherited patterns. The study also trains doctors and tests new MRI techniques to better detect these tumors. While it does not offer a direct treatment, the findings could pave the way for future therapies.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could uncover genetic roots of childhood pituitary tumors, leading to better diagnostic tools and targeted therapies in the future.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study focused on understanding the disease, not testing a treatment. It may not directly benefit participants, and results may take years to translate into clinical practice.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 2,000 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 1997
- Lead sponsor
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A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Subjects with known or suspected pituitary or hypothalamic tumors or related disorders. Family members (adult and pediatric; affected and unaffected) may be enrolled in the DNA linkage analysis part of this protocol.
- Ages
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2 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. 2. Male or female with: 1. Evidence for the existence of a tumor of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit or related disorder, as indicated by previously obtained imaging studies or biochemical investigation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal function (aged 2 years to 70 years) or 2. Family members (any age) of patients with a family history of tumors of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit or related disorders as part of the linkage part of the study, or 3. Members (any age) of a kindred suspected of having an inherited form of neoplasia of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit or related disorder, as evidenced by results of a patient enrolled in this protocol, as part of the linkage part of the study 3. Ability of the subject or LAR to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: 1. Pregnancy: Pregnancy will be evaluated only in participants of reproductive age (from 10 years old until 60 years of age unless menopause has already occurred per clinical report of the participant). For participants enrolled as external participants or under the Linkage study (where research activities include no more than blood draws), any female who could possibly become pregnant will be screened using clinical criteria (history, with pregnancy testing only if indicated) for exclusion and this information will be documented in the consent process note in EMR. If a participant has initially been registered as external location and then presents on-site, then pregnancy test will be performed if within the reproductive age group. 2. Patients with any medical, physical, psychiatric, or social condition, which, in the opinion of the investigators, would make participation in this protocol not in their best interest, will be excluded from the study. 3. Patients who are critically ill, unstable, or with severe organ failure that may affect/limit the endocrine evaluation and place unsustainable demands on CC or NICHD resources may be excluded.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITINGBethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
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