Clinical Research Directory

Prospective Comprehensive Molecular Analysis of Endocrine Neoplasms

Background: * Endocrine neoplasms (tumors) are among the fastest growing tumors in incidence in the United States. Furthermore, it is often difficult to distinguish between benign or malignant tumors in cancers of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland, and pancreas. More research is needed to improve detection and treatment options for patients who develop these kinds of cancer. * Researchers are interested in studying the molecular changes that are involved in endocrine cancer development and growth. To collect a sample of tumor specimens and healthy tissue for further study, researchers are specifically looking for samples from participants who are scheduled for surgery or biopsy on endocrine tumors. Objectives: \- To collect samples of precancerous, cancerous, and healthy tissue from individuals who are scheduled for surgery or biopsy of endocrine system tumors. Eligibility: \- Individuals who have a tumor in or around their thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland, pancreas, or any neuroendocrine tissue, and are scheduled for surgery at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Design: * Participants in this study will provide blood and urine samples prior to surgery. * During the surgery or biopsy, pieces of the tumor or precancerous growth and pieces of normal tissue near to the tumor will be removed for ongoing and future research. The rest of the tumor or growth will be sent for analysis. * After surgery, participants will receive routine care until discharge, and doctors will discuss possible treatment options. If there is an appropriate NIH protocol, participants may choose to be treated at the NIH. * After discharge, participants will return to the clinic for a routine postoperative check about 6 weeks following the operation, and then may be followed yearly at the Clinical Center or by phone....

WHITE CAP: Intra-operative Parathyroid Tissue Sensor (PTS)-Guided Assessment of Parathyroid Viability and Surgical Decision-Making

Primary hyperparathyroidism is usually cured by removing the single over-active parathyroid adenoma. During surgery, however, surgeons often see a thin rim of normal parathyroid tissue that still "glows" under a near-infrared parathyroid tissue sensor (PTS). It is unclear whether keeping this tissue in place helps preserve hormone function or whether it leaves behind cells that could become over-active again. The WHITE CAP study will compare two common surgical choices: Preservation strategy - the surgeon removes only the adenoma and leaves the glowing rim of normal tissue untouched. En-bloc strategy - the surgeon removes the adenoma together with the glowing rim; if too little parathyroid tissue remains, a small fragment is transplanted into the forearm muscle. About 120 adult patients who have a single parathyroid adenoma will be randomly assigned (like tossing a coin) to one of the two strategies. All operations will use the same FDA-cleared PTS camera that shows the glands in real time without dye or radiation. The main question is whether preserving the normal rim lowers the rate of temporary low blood-calcium (numbness, tingling) during the first two days after surgery. The study will also check long-term results-blood calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, symptoms, and any return of the disease-over two years. The PTS imaging itself is painless and adds only a few minutes to the operation. Risks are the same as for standard parathyroid surgery, and participants can withdraw at any time without affecting their usual care.

The Bone-parathyroid Crosstalk in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

The PARABONE study aims to investigate the interaction between bone and parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). The study consists of a clinical part aimed at evaluating a series of circulating molecules of bone derivation (osteocalcin, molecules of the WNT pathway, RANKL, osteoprotegerin, Scelrostin, FGF23) in patients with HPT. In particular, the study has as its primary objective to identify the correlation between circulating levels of PTH and levels of GlaOC and GluOC in patients with HPT.