Maryland Paid Clinical Trials

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. Read Less

Background: * WHIMS (Warts, Hypogammaglobulinemia, Infections, and Myelokathexis Syndrome) is caused by various genetic changes that increase the activity of the chemokine receptor, CXCR4. Excessive function of this receptor causes mature neutrophils (part of the white blood cells) to be retained within the bone marrow rather than being released to the blood and is one of the causes of severe inherited neutropenia (low white blood counts). In neutropenia, the body is less able to fight off infection. Patients with WHIMS usually are at risk for skin, soft tissue, sinus, and lung infections, which can result in loss of hearing, teeth, and lung function. * Current treatment for WHIMS consists of regular injections of a white blood cell growth stimulating medication called granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), and supplemental immunoglobulin (antibody). These therapies are expensive, nonspecific, have significant side effects and toxicities, and do not fully correct all problems, especially warts and cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV). * A drug called Mozobil has been approved for use in combination with G-CSF to increase the number of stem cells that can be collected prior to bone marrow transplantation. Mozobil may offer a specific and well-tolerated new treatment for WHIMS and other syndromes characterized by neutropenia. Objectives: * To evaluate whether Mozobil is safe and effective to treat neutropenia (low white blood cell count) in patients with WHIMS. * To determine an appropriate treatment dose of Mozobil, within currently approved dosage levels. Eligibility: - Individuals between 18 and 75 years of age who have been diagnosed with WHIMS and have a history of severe infections. Design: * Potential participants will undergo a screening with a medical history, physical examination, questionnaire, heart and lung function scans, and blood and urine samples. Tests will also be done for hepatitis B and C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as well as to check neutrophil function. * Patients who are being treated with G-CSF will stop injections for 2 days before being admitted to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center. * Patients may participate in a Dose Escalation study and receive increasing doses of Mozobil over 5 days of treatment until their white blood cell count improves sufficiently or the maximum approved dose is reached. Blood samples will be taken regularly throughout the treatment process. Patients will then receive an additional dose of Mozobil at the maximum approved dose or the dose sufficient to cause improvement, before restarting the G-CSF injections. * Patients may also participate in a long-term Chronic Dosing study and receive Mozobil once or twice a day for up to a maximum of 60 months. Read Less

Background: -Patients who are being evaluated and/or treated at the NIH Clinical Center and adult patients at participating sites will be entered onto this tissue procurement protocol for collection of tissue specimens. Objectives: * To obtain samples from adult and pediatric patients for research purposes from tests and procedures that are done as required by the primary research protocol(s) to which a patient is enrolled or as part of their standard-of-care treatment. * To obtain samples for research purposes from non-surgical procedures, such as percutaneous biopsies, performed for the sole purpose of obtaining tissue specimens or biological fluids for this protocol. Eligibility: -Adult patients (18 years of age and older) and pediatric patients (younger than 18 years of age) who are being evaluated for and/or treated for cancer at the NIH Clinical Center participating sites. Design: * This is a multicenter tissue procurement protocol with NCI as the coordinating center. * For adult patients: specimens for research purposes, as outlined in this protocol, will be obtained from tests and procedures that are done as required by the primary research protocols to which a patient is enrolled or as part of their standard-of-care treatment. Non-surgical procedures, such as percutaneous biopsies, may also be performed for the sole purpose of obtaining tissue specimens or biological fluids for this protocol. Tissues and biological fluids to be procured may include but are not limited to blood, serum, urine, tumor tissue, normal tissue, pleural fluid, CSF, saliva, bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL), circulating tumor cells, hair follicles, and bone marrow. These specimens will be stored with unique identifiers and used to perform only those research studies that are outlined in this protocol. * For pediatric patients: tumor biopsy/resection tissue used for pediatric preclinical model development will only be from tissue already being obtained as part of a procedure necessary for the patient s clinical care or as part of a primary research protocol; blood specimens will be collected as part of a blood collection already scheduled for the patient s clinical care or as part of the planned pre-procedure bloodwork; volumes collected will not exceed institutional research limits. * Given the risks associated with any invasive procedure, such as tumor biopsy, the procedure will be discussed in detail with the patients and their parents/guardian (as indicated), including the side effects, prior to obtaining a separate consent for each procedure. A separate consent will not be signed prior to obtaining samples by minimally invasive measures, such as venipuncture. * This study has two separate consent forms at the NIH Clinical Center: one for adult patients to donate specimens for ongoing research on assay development and studies of molecular pathways, and one for adult and age-appropriate pediatric patients to donate samples for the generation of preclinical models. The study also has consent form templates for adult and pediatric patients at participating sites to donate specimens to create preclinical models. * Patients may remain on study for the duration of their consent or completion of the planned procedure, whichever comes first. Read Less

Background: * Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a condition in which there is a decreased level of CD4+ lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), which can lead to opportunistic infections or autoimmune disorders and diseases. Objectives: * To characterize the natural history with regard to CD4+ T cell count and onset of infection, malignancy, and autoimmunity. * To describe the immunological status of patients affected by ICL while providing the best possible standard therapy to eradicate opportunistic infections. * To establish the timeline of CD4 lymphocytopenia, with particular focus on defining subgroups of patients according to the decline, stabilization, or rise of CD4+ T cell counts over time. * To characterize the opportunistic infections that occur in ICL patients at microbiologic and molecular levels. * To characterize the immunophenotype and possible genetic immunodeficiency causes of ICL. * To determine whether measurable immunologic parameters correlate with the development of opportunistic infections or other comorbidities such as lymphoma in patients with ICL. * To determine whether there is any association between ICL and autoimmunity. * To determine CD4+ T cell turnover, survival, functionality, and cytokine responsiveness in ICL patients. Eligibility: * Patients 2 years of age and older with an absolute CD4 count less than 300 in children 6 years or older and adults or less than 20% of T cells in children younger than 6 on two occasions at least 6 weeks apart. * Patients with negative results of HIV testing by ELISA, Western Blot, and viral load. * Patients must not have underlying immunodeficiency conditions, be receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs that kill cells), or have cancer. Design: * At the initial visit to the National Institutes of Health, the following evaluations will be conducted: * Personal and family medical histories. * Physical examination, including rheumatology evaluation and other consultations as medically indicated (e.g., dermatology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, imaging studies). * Blood samples for analysis of red and white blood cell counts, liver function, immune hormones, and antibody and autoantibody levels, white blood cell growth and function, and DNA. * Urinalysis and urine pregnancy testing for female patients of childbearing age. * Evaluation and treatment of active infections as medically indicated, including biopsies, buccal swabs, pulmonary function tests, and imaging studies. * Follow-up visits will take place approximately every 12 months or more frequently if indicated, and will continue for a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 10 years. * Evaluations at follow-up will include blood samples (i.e., CBC with differential, biochemical profile, HIV testing, etc.) and urinalysis and rheumatology consults. Read Less

This study will investigate HIV infection and associated conditions by monitoring infected patients. The study will also serve as a means for recruiting HIV-infected individuals to NIAIDs ongoing clinical and laboratory studies and supporting the institute s infectious disease training program by providing Infectious Disease fellows with ongoing training in the management of HIV infection. People 18 years of age and older with suspected or confirmed HIV infection who live in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area may be eligible for this study. Physician referral is required. Participants come to the NIH Clinical Center a minimum of once every 3 to 4 months for evaluation with a physical examination; blood tests for research purposes, safety, immune status and viral load; and response to any treatment they may be receiving. Other procedures, such as a biopsy, are done only as needed for standard medical practice, and informed consent is obtained before any such procedure is done. Treatment offered is consistent with standard medical practice; no experimental treatments are offered under this protocol. Read Less

This study will collect representative blood samples from healthy children and adults and from children and adults who have unique red blood cell features that are related to sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is a blood disease that limits the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. The purpose of the study is to collect a variety of blood samples that may then be used to investigate advances and potential new drug treatments for sickle cell disease. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of old. Samples will be taken both from healthy volunteers and from volunteers who have unique red blood cell features that are related to sickle cell disease. Candidates will be screened with a medical history. During the study, participants will undergo a one- to two-hour outpatient procedure at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Once researchers have explained the study and obtained the participant s consent, participants will donate 8 cc (approximately 2 teaspoons) of blood. Because repeat testing helps researchers validate study findings, participants who have the unique red blood cell features mentioned above may also be asked if they are willing to return and donate another 2 cc to 8 cc of blood for additional studies. The amount of blood drawn will not exceed 50 ml with any eight-week period for adults or 7 cc within any six-week period for children.... Read Less

This study will collect fluid and tissue specimens from the lungs and nose of healthy people and people with a history of lung infections. The specimens will be examined for differences between the two groups that may be associated with susceptibility to certain infections. Healthy normal volunteers and people with a history of lung infections between 18 and 75 years of age who are followed at NIH may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo the following procedures: Medical history and physical examination. Blood and urine tests. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest x-ray. Treadmill exercise stress test (for people over 45 years old with a history of chest pain or ECG abnormalities). Bronchoscopy: The subject s nose and throat are numbed with lidocaine and a sedative is given for comfort. A thin flexible tube called a bronchoscope is advanced through the nose or mouth into the lung airways to examine the airways carefully. Fluid collection during the bronchoscopy using one of the following methods: * Bronchoalveolar lavage: Salt water is injected through the bronchoscope into the lung and immediately suctioned out, washing off cells lining the airways. * Bronchial brushings: A brush-tipped wire enclosed in a sheath is passed through the bronchoscope and a small area of the airway tissue is gently brushed. The brush is withdrawn with some tissue adhering to it. * Endobronchial biopsies: Small pinchers on a wire are passed through the bronchoscope and about 1 to 2 millimeters of tissue is removed. * Nasal scrape: A small device is used to scrape along the inside of the nose to collect some cells. * Sputum induction * Exhaled breath condensate to obtain specimens for in vitro investigations and comparisons of both the cellular and acellular components. * Nasal nitric oxide production * Nasal potential difference * Exhaled aerosol mask sample collection * Cough aerosol collection * Exhaled particle collection * Lung Clearance Index (LCI) Read Less

This study will describe the phenotype (physical and behavioral traits) of overweight and obese people. It will characterize the hormones, metabolism, food preferences, fitness and physical activity levels, sleep patterns and thought processes in people with and without weight problems. Genetic material will be collected for studies of the internal codes that influence body weight. People over 18 years of age from all weight categories (lean, overweight, obese) who are reasonably healthy may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo the following tests and procedures: * Physical exam, electrocardiogram, blood and urine tests, instructions for recording food intake for 7 days * Metabolic studies for menstruating women. * Resting metabolic rate to study how many calories the body burns at rest. * Mixed meal test to measure hormones such as insulin that regulate blood sugar. * Glucose tolerance test to determine how sensitive the body is to insulin. * 24-hour energy expenditure to measure the amount of oxygen breathed in and the amount of carbon dioxide breathed out. * Repeat 24-hour energy expenditure. * Diurnal blood sampling and temperature assessment to study the body s internal clock. * Air-displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod) to measure body composition. * Dual energy x-ray absortiometry (DEXA) to measure body fat and bone density. * Repeat Bod Pod and DEXA. * Anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance to measure height, weight, and circumferences, skinfold thickness, fluid status and percentage body fat. * Bromide dilution to measure the amount of water not in cells in the body. * Doubly labeled water to measure the amount of calories burned in a 7-day period. * 24-hour diet reports. * Endothelial reactivity to measure how the blood vessels stretch or dilate for assessing cardiovascular health. * Treadmill or bicycle exercise capacity test. * Physical activity monitor. * Unicorder to detect any breathing difficulties that may interfere with sleep. * Fat and muscle biopsy to look for variations in gene expression in fat tissue and muscle. * Neurocognitive testing to check memory, decision-making, hand-eye coordination, and reasoning. * Evaluation of mood problems and assess personality type. * Evaluation to assess the quantity and quality of pain experienced. * Taste testing to determine the response to bitter, salty, sweet and sour substances. * Occupational therapy evaluation to explore the subject s adaptations, if any, for performing personal, social or professional activities; the subject s views on his or her weight, body size and shape, and strategies to control weight. Read Less

This study is intended to help develop new MRI imaging techniques for studying mood and anxiety disorders. Researchers believe that depression and anxiety disorders may cause structural and functional changes in the brain. This study will optimize the way MRI scans are collected to look at brain structure and examine how the brain behaves while subjects perform particular tasks. Healthy volunteers and individuals with major depressive disorder may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological testing. : Individuals will be asked to participate in an MRI study on one of several scanners. The scanner used will measure blood flow in the brain, concentrations of certain chemicals in the brain, or magnetic properties of the brain. The scan may involve They watching a screen presenting images or doing a task in which they respond to pictures or sounds. Participants may be asked to return for additional scans. The study also involves neuropsychological tests, which assess cognitive performance. Often, people with mood disorders have subtle changes in performance on these tests that allow researchers to pinpoint where brain abnormalities occur. Before the tests can be used in patients, they must be validated by using healthy subjects. These tests are presented either orally, in written form, or on a computer.... Read Less

Cystinosis is an inherited disease resulting in poor growth and kidney failure. There is no known cure for cystinosis, although kidney transplantation may help the renal failure and prolong survival. Both the kidney damage and growth failure are thought to be due to the accumulation of the amino acid cystine within the cells of the body. The cystine storage later damages other organs besides the kidneys, including the thyroid gland, pancreas, eyes, and muscle. The drug cysteamine (Cystagon; ProCysBi) is an oral medication given to patients with cystinosis prior to kidney transplantation. The drug works by reducing the level of cystine in the white blood cells and muscle tissue. The drug may also decrease levels of cystine in the kidneys and other tissues. This study has several goals: 1. Long-term surveillance of cysteamine treated patients. 2. Detection of new non-kidney complications of cystinosis. 3. Maintenance of a patient population for genetic testing (mutational analysis) of the cystinosis gene.\<TAB\> Read Less

This study will examine the natural history of Leishmanial infections and their treatments. It will provide an opportunity for NIAID staff to learn more about leishmaniasis and perhaps to improve diagnostic tests for these infections. Patients between 2 and 80 years of age with known or suspected leishmaniasis are eligible for this study. Participants will have routine blood tests and a biopsy to confirm leishmanial infection. The biopsy procedure will be determined by the type of infection local cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) or visceral leishmaniasis (VL). CL will be confirmed with a punch biopsy, in which a cookie-cutter type razor is used to remove a small circular piece of skin tissue. MCL will be confirmed using a thin flexible tube inserted into the nose. This tube is used to examine the nose and upper airway and to remove a tissue sample, if an affected area is seen. VL will be confirmed with either a bone marrow or liver biopsy or a splenic aspirate. For these procedures, a small tissue sample is withdrawn through a needle placed in the hipbone, liver or spleen, respectively. Some patients may also have a skin test for leishmaniasis similar to tuberculin skin testing. Treatment and length of hospital stay are determined by the type of infection. CL may be treated with Pentostam, amphotericin, amphotericin B, itraconazole or ketoconazole; ML with amphotericin B, or encapsulated amphotericin; and VL with Pentostam or encapsulated amphotericin. Pentostam is infused daily for 18 to 28 doses, most as an outpatient. Blood is drawn 3 times a week for safety tests and an electrocardiogram is done 2 to 3 times a week to monitor heart rhythm. Amphotericin B is infused every day or every other day for about 30 doses, all on an inpatient basis. Patients undergo hydration (infusion of a large amount of fluid) just before and immediately after each infusion to protect the kidneys. Blood is drawn every other day and urine samples are collected occasionally for routine urinalysis. Encapsulated amphotericin is infused every other day, on an outpatient basis. Blood is generally drawn every other day to every 2 days and urinalyses are done periodically. Itraconazole and ketoconazole are taken orally for at least 1 to 3 months, with blood drawn every 2 to 3 weeks. Patients may be asked to have photographs taken before, during and after treatment to document progress. They may also be asked to provide extra blood samples for research purposes, either through a vein in the arm or through apheresis, a method for collecting large numbers of cells. For apheresis, whole blood is collected through a needle in an arm vein and circulated through a machine that separates it into its components. The desired cells are then removed, and the rest of the blood is returned to the body, either through the same needle used to draw the blood or through a second needle in the other arm. Patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis will have a follow-up clinic visit 2 weeks to 3 months after treatment is completed. If there are no complications, their participation will end at that time. Patients with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis and visceral leishmaniasis will be followed every 3 to 6 months indefinitely for routine evaluations and re-treatment if the infection recurs. ... Read Less

This study will examine the effectiveness of a new laboratory method for detecting pneumocystis organisms in a salt-water (saline) oral wash. Pneumocystis infection in people with weakened immunity especially patients with HIV infection or cancer, organ transplant recipients and people receiving immune suppressing therapy can cause life-threatening pneumonia. Currently, pneumocystis infection is diagnosed by sputum analysis or bronchoalveolar lavage. For the sputum analysis, patients are induced to produce a sputum sample (liquid discharge from the lung) using a saline mist; however, many hospitals lack the expertise to perform this procedure. The second method, bronchoalveolar lavage, involves inserting a flexible tube into the lung and injecting saline to produce a specimen for diagnosis. This method, however, is time-consuming and can be uncomfortable. New techniques may allow the use of an oral wash to diagnose pneumocystis, even though an oral sample contains far fewer organisms than are obtained with the current methods. This study will examine whether new techniques, such as nucleic acid amplification, may enable a simple oral wash to be used effectively for diagnosis of pneumocystis infection. Patients 3 years of age and older with weakened immunity who have acute pneumonia may be eligible for this study. In addition, people at increased risk of infection with pneumocystis, including health care professionals, family members of patients, and other patients in health care facilities, may participate. Participants will have a medical history and review of medical records to determine their health status and determine if they have had recent respiratory problems or documented PCP. They will then provide an oral wash sample. For this procedure, subjects first rinse their mouth well. Then, they vigorously swish 50 milliliters of saline for 5 to 10 seconds and immediately repeat the procedure to provide two specimens. Washes may be requested daily, weekly, monthly, or for a period of time to be specified. Participants will also have two tubes of blood drawn (total of 20 milliliters, or 4 teaspoons) to test for evidence of pneumocystis. Although no other tests are required for this protocol, participants may be asked to provide optional add'l samples, as follows: If a sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage sample is required in the course of the patient s clinical mgmt, enough material will be obtained, if possible, for research purposes as well as what is needed for routine care. An induced sputum sample may be requested just for this protocol. For this procedure, a mask with a saline mist is placed over the face, inducing a cough that, it is hoped, will produce sputum from the lungs. Read Less