The
NIH is a major referral center for patients with suspected or proven pheochromocytoma
or with a genetic predisposition to develop the tumor. Because the primary
mission of the NIH is
to conduct and support medical research, all
NIH Clinical Center patients are enrolled into research studies that have
undergone rigorous review and approval processes by Institution Review Boards
(IRB's). This ensures that the study meets the appropriate standards
for clinical research within the NIH intramural program. Descriptions
of specific pheochromocytoma-related clinical studies, inclusion and exclusion
criteria, and contact information for referral and enrollment of patients to these
studies are available below. Diagnosis,
Pathophysiology, and Molecular Biology of Pheochromocytoma
This study
includes state-of-the-art biochemical testing and imaging procedures for diagnosis
and localization of pheochromocytoma. Patients in whom resectable tumors are found
are referred to another NIH clinical protocol that allows for surgical intervention
(usually by laparoscopy), thereby providing valuable tissue specimens for further
studies aimed at understanding the development of tumors and identifying new markers
for diagnosis and targets for improved treatment, particularly of malignant pheochromocytoma.
Patients with malignant pheochromocytoma may be referred to other clinical treatment
protocols, while those in whom pheochromocytoma is excluded may be eligible for
another NIH clinical protocol that aims to characterize and understand the condition
of "pseudopheochromocytoma". (131)I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine
Treatment of Malignant Pheochromocytoma
This study evaluates the effectiveness
of 131I-MIBG in treating malignant pheochromocytoma and whether sensitization
medications improve the response to treatment. Characterization and Identification
of Paroxysmal Hypertensive/Hypercatcholamine Syndromes Among Patients with Pseudopheochromocytoma
This
study aims to identify causes of paroxysmal hypertension and symptoms suggesting
a hypercatecholaminergic state in patients in whom pheochromocytoma has been excluded. Clinical
Manifestations and Molecular Bases of Heritable Urologic Malignant Disorders Visit
National Institutes of Health's Website. | 
