Active clinical trials for "Neurofibromatoses"

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common autosomal dominant genetic disorders. The aim of our study was to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients and their families following the disclosure of sporadic NF1. Diagnosis of NF1 was retained according to NIH criteria, familial forms were excluded. The French version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised was used for the diagnosis of PTSD.

The objective of this study is to study the function of the pigment epithelium in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 using electro-oculogram to confirm abnormally high values reported in previous studies, but also to correlate this hyperactivity of the pigment epithelium with the presence and size of choroidal hyperreflective areas observed in infra-red imaging of the fundus. The hypothesis of the study is that the function of the pigment epithelium measured by the electro-oculogram correlates with the surface of choroidal hyperreflective areas. Finally, the potential consequences of a supra-normal function of the pigment epithelium on the global retinal function are not known. A full-field electroretinogram will evaluate the global neurosensory retinal function.

The Nucleus 24 Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) is the only FDA approved device for restoration of meaningful hearing in Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) patients. This device has been discontinued, meaning that there is no commercially approved device currently available. The replacement model, the ABI541 (an unapproved device), is being investigated in ongoing clinical trials. A compassionate use arm of a clinical trial allows patients with NF2 to be implanted with this new ABI.

Background: Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) is associated with tumors of the nerves, brain, and spinal cord. Most people with NF2 develop vestibular schwannomas, or tumors on the hearing and balance nerves. As they grow, vestibular schwannomas can cause hearing loss and balance problems. If they grow very large they can cause more serious problems, such as seizures, loss of eyesight, weakness, speech problems, and problems with the sense of touch. More research is needed into NF2 because researchers do not completely understand why these tumors occur or what makes them grow over time. Currently, tumor size is measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. However, MRI scans cannot predict how fast a tumor will grow. By using positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, researchers hope to be able to predict sudden growth spurts of tumors associated with NF2 and develop better treatment methods for this type of cancer. Objectives: - To use magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography to better understand the growth of brain tumors in people with neurofibromatosis type II. Eligibility: - Individuals between 18 and 50 years of age who have been diagnosed with NF2 and have at least three untreated intracranial tumors. Design: This study requires an initial set of outpatient visits to the NIH Clinical Center that will last 7 to 10 days. Participants will have a physical and neurological examination and blood tests at the first visit. Participants will then have the following imaging studies to examine the tumors: MRI scans of the brain PET scans of the brain, combined with a computed tomography (CT) scan. The PET scans will be performed on separate days. Different contrast agents will be used for both scans, so researchers will inform participants if they need to fast or follow other procedures before having the scan. After the initial imaging studies, participants will have additional MRI scans every 6 months for 2 years to track tumor growth.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a frequent autosomal dominant disorder, caused by heterozygous mutations of the NF1 tumor suppressor gene (chr.17q11.2). One of the main clinical features is the development of benign and malignant tumors. The most common benign tumors in these patients are tumors of the peripheral nerve, named neurofibromas. Every NF1 patient has a life time risk of 8-13% to develop a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) starting from a pre-existing neurofibroma. MPNSTs lead to a bad prognosis for the patient, with an overall five-year survival of less than 25%. Complete resection is the standard treatment, but this is often difficult due to the size of the tumors and the location on important nerves, moreover the tumor is frequently metastatic at the time of diagnosis. For MPNSTs, like for other cancers, the extent and the spread of the disease at time of diagnosis is an important factor in determining treatment outcome. In this regard, the analysis of tumor derived cell-free circulating DNA in plasma of NF1 patients would open up the possibility to diagnose and monitor the development and progression of MPNSTs using a small blood sample. In cooperation with P. Schöffski (UZLeuven), we plan to collect blood samples from cancer patients to optimize the DNA extraction procedure starting from plasma samples. It is known that patients with cancer have a higher amount of free circulating DNA in plasma than individuals without cancer and therefore we want to optimize the DNA extraction procedure on plasma from patients with cancer. In the meantime, matching MPNST and plasma samples from NF1 patients will be collected and sent to us from the University of Eppendorf (Victor Mautner) to optimize the array CGH protocol for the detection of copy number changes in plasma DNA of NF1 patients with MPNSTs.

The study will seek to determine whether there is a corresponding deficit in school performance for teenagers with NF1. Secondly, the study seeks to explore the issue of self-esteem in teenagers with NF1.

Whole body MRI will be performed in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1 PURPOSE 1: To determine the total tumor load (neurofibroma) and to diagnose plexiform neurofibromas or malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. All patients will be scanned two years after the baseline whole body MRI to investigate to investigate the changes of total tumor load. PURPOSE 2: added value of diffusion weighted imaging in diagnosis of high-risk neurofibromas PURPOSE 3 : to determine the apparent diffusion coefficient of the malignant nerve sheath tumors and neurofibroma. PURPOSE 4 : correlation between histopathology of the surgically resected neurofibroma/malignant nerve sheath tumors and MRI findings

Observation study about physical activity, motor competence, pulmonary function, and health related quality of life in children, surgically treated for early onset scoliosis

The purpose of this study is to find blood plasma based biomarkers of disease progression in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). NF1 is associated with the development of benign cutaneous tumors as well as a variety of malignancies. Analysis of plasma DNA and chemical composition may provide tools for diagnosis and follow-up of NF1. The hypothesis of the study is that NF1-associated tumor burden and malignant transformation of tumors can be detected in plasma. To test this hypothesis, Finnish patients with NF1 are recruited and blood sample is taken. Blood plasma is separated and analyzed chemically. DNA is then also extracted and quantified.

Thanks to the investigators previous study the investigators demonstrated the influence of modifying genes in the phenotypic expression of neurofibromatosis 1 (Hum Mol Genet. 2009; 18 (15) :2768-78). Indeed, analysis of the intra-and inter-family variability performed using the investigators phenotype/genotype database demonstrated a strong genetic component for most clinical features. The investigators results suggest the involvement of genetic factors, not related to the NF1 gene, the modifiers. The objective of this project is to identify the modifiers involved in the variability of clinical expression of NF1. The investigators will focus in particular variants involved in the development and progression of neurofibromas.