Study of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Growth and Cyst Development in Patients With Von Hippel Lindau Disease

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to learn more about the growth of brain and spinal cord tumors and cysts that develop in association with them in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease. It will examine how fast the tumors grow and try to determine what factors (for example, puberty , pregnancy, menopause, blood proteins, etc.) affect their growth. Patients between the ages of 8 and 75 years who are enrolled in NIH s study of von Hippel-Lindau disease may be eligible for this 5-year study. Participants will have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord and a thorough neurological history and examination at the start of the study. A blood sample will be taken for analysis of factors (hormones or other proteins) that may predict tumor growth. Follow-up clinic visits every 6 months will include a physical and neurological examination, blood tests, and MRI scans of the brain and spine. If symptoms or tumor growth requires more frequent follow-up, scans will be done at 3-month intervals. Surgical removal of brain and spinal cord tumors is currently the treatment of choice when these lesions cause neurological problems. A better understanding of which tumors are likely to grow and which will remain stable may help guide physicians in treatment decisions and avoid unnecessary procedures.

Detailed Description
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Hemangioblastomas of the cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord are frequent tumors in patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Rarely, these lesions also affect the cerebrum. Patients often have multiple lesions, many of which are associated with cysts or syrinx. The current treatment for symptomatic lesions is surgical resection. Focused radiation is also being used in selected cases in an attempt to provide tumor control. The natural history of central nervous system (CNS) lesions in patients with VHL has not been addressed in a prospective study. It is not clear at which point these lesions will begin to grow, or develop cysts in the cerebellum or syrinx in the spinal cord, and systemic factors that influence tumor growth have not been identified. By identifying factors that predict or influence tumor progression or cyst development, we can more accurately recommend surgical or medical intervention at appropriate times and avoid unnecessary treatment for stable lesions. This study will collect prospective radiological and clinical data on growth of the central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas and associated cysts. We will also prospectively collect information on systemic processes that may influence tumor progression, such as puberty, menopause, pregnancy, effects of hormone therapy, tumor load, serum erythropoeitin level and hemoglobin/hematocrit levels. This natural history study has resulted in significant improvement in our understanding of the pathophysiology of VHL disease. Data from this study have resulted in a better understanding of the origin and growth patterns of hemangioblastomas, and endolymphatic sac tumors in patients with VHL disease. New therapies targeting hemangioblastomas in VHL disease are being devised based on information gathered from this study. We expect this natural history disease to continue to inspire new hypothesis driven studies while improving the understanding and management of hemangioblastomas in VHL disease.

Official Title
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A Prospective Natural History Study of VHL Patients With CNS Hemangioblastomas

Conditions
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Hemangioblastoma, Hippel Lindau Disease

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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INCLUSION CRITERIA: Ages 8-75. Confirmed diagnosis of von Hippel-Lindau disease. Presence of one or more cerebral, cerebellar or spinal cord hemangioblastomas on screening MRI. Able to give informed consent (or assent), or have a parent able to provide informed consent if a child. Karnofsky Performance Scale Score greater than or equal to 60. Have the capacity to undergo serial MRI scanning of the CNS without IV sedation. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Clinically unstable condition. Being treated by any chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or steroids. Allergy to CT or MRI contrast agents. Contraindication to MRI scanning such as surgery that involves metal clips or wires which might be expected to cause tissue damage or produce image artifacts.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 8 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| 1<br>250 subjects with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Determine the course of clinical and radiographic progression of VHL | The questions to be answered fall in the following general categories: 1. Course of Clinical Progression 2. Radiographic Progression 3. Post-treatment outcome (surgery and radiation) 4. Contributing factors 5. Genetic variability and effects on disease progression | Baseline, 12-24 month intervals | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Determine the course of tumor and cyst growth after surgical and/or radiation intervention. |  | 12 24 months after surgery until withdrawal or death | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Brain, Brainstem, Cysts, Spinal Cord, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Natural History