An observational study in Hemangioblastoma and Hippel Lindau Disease, sponsored by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Active, not recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 8 Years to 75 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-31.
Sponsored by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) · Observational
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.
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 natural experiment trial collected prospective radiological and clinical data on the growth of the central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas and associated cysts. We prospectively collected information on systemic processes that may influence tumor progression, such as puberty, menopause, pregnancy, effects of hormone therapy, tumor load, serum erythropoietin level and hemoglobin/hematocrit levels.
This natural experiment trial has resulted in significant improvement in our understanding of the pathophysiology of VHL disease. Data from this trial 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 experiment trial to continue to inspire new hypothesis-driven studies while improving the understanding and management of hemangioblastomas in VHL disease.
55 studies on the registry are indexed under von Hippel-Lindau Disease; 23 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 250 is close to the median of 260 across 23 observational studies indexed under von Hippel-Lindau Disease.
Browse von Hippel-Lindau Disease studies →National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is the lead sponsor of 601 studies on the registry; 56 are open to participants now.
Of its 18 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 8 (44%) have results posted.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
This study will enroll 250 subjects with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Withdrawal/dropouts will not be replaced.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Ages 8-75.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
A 0–100 scale of how well someone can carry out everyday activities. 100 is no complaints and no signs of illness; 70 is able to look after yourself but not to work or keep up normal activity; 50 is needing considerable help and frequent medical care.
Studies often ask for 60 or 70 and above. Your doctor gives the score.
A reason a treatment, test or procedure should not be given to a particular person, such as an allergy, another illness or a medicine they take.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Karnofsky performance status (KPS)
A 0–100 scale of how well someone can carry out everyday activities. 100 is no complaints and no signs of illness; 70 is able to look after yourself but not to work or keep up normal activity; 50 is needing considerable help and frequent medical care.
Studies often ask for 60 or 70 and above. Your doctor gives the score.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Contraindication
A reason a treatment, test or procedure should not be given to a particular person, such as an allergy, another illness or a medicine they take.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
250 subjects with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease.
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
Time frame: Baseline, 12-24 month intervals
Determine the course of tumor and cyst growth after surgical and/or radiation intervention.
Time frame: 12 24 months after surgery until withdrawal or death
Plan to share: Undecided — We do plan to share IPD. we will share all IPD that results in a publication on a public repository, as required by most journals. the data will be de-identified and anonymized.
Started Feb 2001 (actual).
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
This study is active, not recruiting, as verified in Feb 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) →