All Clinical Trials

Background: Some patients with unusual genetic conditions are referred to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They may not be eligible to join current research studies. Testing such patients is a good way to improve the skills of research staff. The findings could lead to new processes and research. Objectives: To recruit a diverse group of pediatric subjects with genetic disorders. To give clinic staff hands-on experience working with these patients. Eligibility: Children any age with a known or suspected genetic disorder. Design: Participants will be screened with medical history and physical exam. They may have lab and other tests. Family members may give DNA samples. Participants will have: Medical history Physical exam Height, weight, and other measurements taken. A clinical evaluation of their disorder. They may have: Blood, urine, and saliva samples taken Imaging tests. These may include x-rays, scans, ultrasound, or skeletal survey. A sleep study A visit with other specialists at NIH A genetic test from a commercial lab Medical photographs taken Other tests Participants may have follow-up visits. They may get medical or surgical treatment. ... Read Less

Background: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a brain infection. It is caused by a virus. PML can happen in people with a weakened immune system. PML is associated with cognitive and visual impairment as well as motor and speech disturbances. There is no treatment for PML. Researchers want to see if a new drug can help. Objective: To see if the drug NT-I7 can help increase lymphocyte numbers, which may help control PML infection. Eligibility: Adults ages 18 and older with PML who are enrolled in Protocol #13-N-0017. Design: Participants will be screened under Protocol #13-N-0017. Participants will have a 7-day inpatient stay, outpatient visits, and follow-up phone calls. Participants will have a medical history and physical exam. They will give urine samples. Blood will be drawn from an arm vein or through an intravenous (IV) catheter. Participants will get up to 3 doses of NT-I7. It will be given by injection into the muscle. Participants will have lumbar punctures ( spinal taps ). A thin needle will be inserted into the spinal canal in the lower back. Cerebrospinal fluid will be removed. X-ray may be used to guide the procedure. Participants will have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. The MRI scanner is a metal cylinder surrounded by a magnetic field. During MRIs, participants will lie on a table that slides in and out of the scanner. Soft padding or a coil will be placed around their head. They will get gadolinium, a contrast agent, through an IV catheter. Participation will last for 12 to 19 months. ... Read Less

The purpose of study is to evaluate the efficacy of the Mayo Clinic Diet in clinically significant weight loss (\>5%) versus usual care. We also wish to evaluate the feasibility, barriers to completion, and sustainability of this intervention at the 24, and 52-week marks. Lastly, we aim to study the change in participants body composition and quality of life at the end of this intervention. Read Less

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a procedure which involves passing a pencil-thin tube into the lung in order to collect fluid and cells from the airways. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy can collect cells from the walls of airways by gently brushing them (bronchial brushing). In addition, squirting small amounts of sterile water in to the airway and gently suctioning it back into the bronchoscope (bronchoalveolar lavage) collects cells. In this study, researchers plan to perform these tests on patients with asthma and normal volunteers. This research may help to improve the understanding of the processes involved in airway inflammation and asthma.... 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

Between 10% and 15% of patients with endogenous hypercortisolism (Cushing syndrome) have ectopic (non-pituitary) production of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) that causes cortisol excess. In approximately 50% of these patients, the tumoral source of ACTH cannot be found initially despite very detailed and extensive imaging, including studies such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and octreotide scan (Octreoscan) using the standard dose of indium- 111 pentetreotide (\[111In-DTPA-D-Phe\]-pentetreotide). The sensitivity and specificity of structurally based imaging studies depends on anatomic alterations and the size of the tumor. In contrast, positron emission tomography (PET) and somatostatin ligand imaging detect pathologic tissue based on physiologic and biochemical processes within the abnormal tissue. This protocol tests the ability of \[18F\]-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA) PET, and the somatostatin imaging analogue, 68Ga-DOTATATE-PET, to localize the source of ectopic ACTH production. ... Read Less

Background: In a new cancer therapy, researchers take a person s blood, select a certain white blood cell to grow in the lab, and then change the genes of these cells using a virus. The cells are then given back to the person. This is called gene transfer. For this study, researchers will modify the person s white blood cells with anti-CD70. Objectives: To see if a gene transfer with anti-CD70 cells can safely shrink tumors and to be certain the treatment is safe. Eligibility: Adults age 18 and older diagnosed with cancer that has the CD70-expressing cancer. Design: Participants will be screened with medical history, physical exam, scans, and other tests. They may by admitted to the hospital. Leukapheresis will be performed. For this, blood is removed through a needle in the arm. A machine separates the white blood cells. The rest of the blood is returned through a needle in the other arm. Eligible participants will have an intravenous catheter placed in their upper chest. Over several days, they will get chemotherapy drugs and the anti-CD70 cells. They will recover in the hospital. Participants will take an antibiotic for 6 months after treatment. They will repeat leukapheresis. Participants will visit the clinic every 1-3 months for the first year after treatment, every 6 months for the second year, and then as determined by their physician. Follow-up visits will take 1-2 days. At each visit, participants will have lab tests, imaging studies, and a physical exam. Throughout the study, blood will be taken and participants will have many tests to determine the size and extent of their tumor and the treatment s impact. ... Read Less

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) removes tumors in the abdomen. HIPEC is heated chemotherapy that washes the abdomen. CRS and HIPEC may help people with peritoneal carcinomatosis. These are tumors that have spread to the lining of the abdomen from other cancers. Researchers think they can improve results of CRS and HIPEC by choosing the chemotherapy drugs used in HIPEC. Objective: To see if HIPEC after CRS can be improved, by testing different chemotherapy drugs, using a model called the SMART (Sample Microenvironment of Resected Metastatic Tumor) System. Eligibility: Adults ages 18 and older who have peritoneal carcinomatosis that cannot be fully removed safely with surgery. Design: Participants will be screened with: Medical history Physical exam Blood and urine tests Computed tomography (CAT) scan Other imaging scans, as needed Electrocardiogram (EKG) Tumor biopsy, if needed Laparoscopy. Small cuts will be made in the abdomen. A tube with a light and a camera will be used to see their organs. Some screening tests will be repeated in the study. Participants will enroll in NIH protocol #13C0176. This allows their tumor samples to be used in future research. Participants will have CRS. As many of their visible tumors will be removed as possible. They will also have HIPEC. Two thin tubes will be put in their abdomen. They will get chemotherapy through one tube. It will be drained out through the other tube. They will be in the hospital for 7-21 days after surgery. Participants will give tumor, blood, and fluid samples for research. They will complete surveys about their health and quality of life. Participants will have follow-up visits over 5 years.... Read Less

Neck pain is a common issue that can lead to long-term disability and lost work time for many individuals. Despite numerous studies, finding effective treatment strategies has been challenging. One possible reason for this is that treatments may not have been tested on the specific groups of people who would benefit most. A method was developed to identify people with neck pain who are likely to see significant improvements from a manipulation technique used by physical therapists, called cervical spine thrust joint manipulation. The investigators believe that patients identified as likely responders to cervical spine manipulation will show greater improvements in disability. The investigators aim to test whether this method works with different patients and therapists across the country through a multicenter randomized clinical trial. In this study, 140 patients with primary complaints of neck pain will be enrolled from 20 clinical sites. Designed with stringent criteria for inclusion, this study is a testament to our commitment to participant safety and the effectiveness of the treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) one group will receive 2 sessions of cervical spine manipulation followed by 3 sessions of exercise, and (2) the other group will receive 2 sessions of gentle hands-on treatment followed by 3 sessions of exercise. The primary goal is to measure changes in disability 4 weeks after starting treatment, with follow-ups after one week, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months to assess both immediate and long-term effects. By providing crucial data on the reliability of our method in identifying patients who will benefit most from cervical spine manipulation, this study has the potential to significantly enhance decision-making leading to rapid improvement. Results from this study will provide clearer guidelines on the optimal use of cervical spine manipulation, potentially revolutionizing the way patients recover from neck pain. Read Less

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized in its classical form by oculocutaneous albinism, a bleeding diathesis, recurrent infection due to abnormal neutrophil and natural killer cell function, and eventual progression to a lymphohistiocytic infiltration known as the accelerated phase . Death often occurs within the first decade as a result of infection or the development of the accelerated phase; bone marrow transplantation is curative except for the late occurrence of neurological deterioration. The basic defect is unknown, although it probably involves abnormal fusion or trafficking of intracellular vesicles. Patients with classical CHS have their disease due to mutations in the LYST gene, but mildly affected individuals have been reported whose genetic defect has not been defined. It is likely that these variants of CHS have abnormalities in proteins involved in the pathways responsible for vesicle fusion. Since the full clinical spectrum of CHS and its variants has not been characterized, and the underlying defects remain enigmatic, we plan to evaluate this group of patients clinically, biochemically, and molecularly, and perform cell biological studies on their fibroblasts, melanocytes, and transformed lymphoblasts. Routine admissions will be 5 days and may occur every two years, or required by changes in clinical symptomatology. 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

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify genetic causes of inherited eye conditions through whole exome or whole genome sequencing. This includes identifying mutations in known genes or novel genes for recognized conditions, as well as identifying mutations in novel genes for previously uncharacterized genetic conditions involving the eye. Study Population: We plan to recruit 1,685 participants, to include both participants with an eye condition under study and unaffected family members. Ideally unaffected family members will be parents of an affected participant. Design: Most affected participants will be recruited from existing studies at the NEI. These include, but are not limited to, the Screening Protocol (08-EI-0102), the NEI Ocular Natural History protocol (16-EI-0134), the Genetics of Inherited Eye Disease protocol (15-EI-0128) and the Pathogenesis and Genetics of Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Uveal Coloboma (MAC) study (13-EI-0049). Unaffected family members will be invited to participate once an affected relative is determined eligible for participation. Offsite affected and unaffected participants will also be enrolled. If a participant is self-referred or referred to the study by an outside provider, screening will determine whether participation is offered. Offsite participants will be screened via phone or secure videoconference, and records will be requested for evaluation of affected participants.. Both affected and unaffected eligible participants will undergo genetic counseling and will provide a blood sample and/or saliva sample for exome or genome sequencing. Biological relationships may be confirmed prior to exome or genome sequencing. Sequence data will be analyzed for primary variants and secondary findings, unless participants choose to opt-out of secondary analysis and reporting. All sequence variants deemed clinically relevant will be validated in a CLIA-certified laboratory and the results will be returned to the participant in-person, secure video conference, or by telephone. Outcome Measures: This is an etiologic study that will generate molecular information about previously-recognized conditions for which participants did not have a molecular diagnosis, as well as molecular information for previously uncharacterized conditions involving the eye. Read Less