A Study of Familial and Genetic Aspects of Adult T-Cell: Leukemia/Lymphoma , Tropical Spastic Paraparesis, and Infective Dermatitis

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Doctors of the University of West Indies, the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) and the National Cancer Institute have been studying the epidemiology of HTLV-I and its role in the etiology and pathogenesis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ALT), and aggressive T-cell lymphoma. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate familial and genetic aspects of ATL and its relationship to two other HTLV-I related conditions, HTLV-I associated myelopathy also known as tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), and infective dermatitis. Enrollment of infective dermatitis cases was recently added and the disease entity is thought to be a harbinger for later development of either ATL or HAM/TSP. The purpose of this study is to interview patients with these conditions and perform laboratory studies (specifically, HLA and other viral or genetic studies) to better understand these diseases and their relationship to the HTLV-1 virus and the family history and genetic factors that may be involved as well.

Detailed Description
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Doctors of the University of West Indies, the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) and the National Cancer Institute have been studying the epidemiology of HTLV-I and its role in the etiology and pathogenesis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ALT), and aggressive T-cell lymphoma. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate familial and genetic aspects of ATL and its relationship to two other HTLV-I related conditions, HTLV-I associated myelopathy also known as tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), and infective dermatitis. Enrollment of infective dermatitis cases was recently added and the disease entity is thought to be a harbinger for later development of either ATL or HAM/TSP. The purpose of this study is to interview patients with these conditions and perform laboratory studies (specifically, HLA and other viral or genetic studies) to better understand these diseases and their relationship to the HTLV-1 virus and the family history and genetic factors that may be involved as well.

Official Title
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A Study of Familial and Genetic Aspects of Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma, Tropical Spastic Paraparesis and Infective Dermatitis in Jamaica

Conditions
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HTLV-I

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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INCLUSION CRITERIA: All cases of ATL and TSP which satisfy the case definitions above. Cases will be selected regardless of HTLV-1 sero-status. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Cases who have none of the first three priority family members available i.e. parents, offspring and siblings, will be excluded from this study however summary data will be maintained.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 2 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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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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HTLV-I