NCT04569591 · National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
DDAVP for Pituitary Adenoma
What this study is about
This study is designed as a single institution trial. The study utilizes safe and clinically-validated tools for preoperative workup of patients with small pituitary tumors. DDAVP stimulation and 18F-labeled fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) uptake for PET-imaging will be used to detect MRI-negative pituitary adenomas in patients with Cushing s disease.
View original scientific description
This study is designed as a single institution trial. The study utilizes safe and clinically-validated tools for preoperative workup of patients with small pituitary tumors. DDAVP stimulation and 18F-labeled fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) uptake for PET-imaging will be used to detect MRI-negative pituitary adenomas in patients with Cushing s disease. Patients who have MRI-negative pituitary microadenomas will undergo FDG PET-imaging with DDAVP stimulation. Intravenous FDG will be given approximately four hours following DDAVP administration. Within 12 weeks after completion of the FDG high-resolution PET scan, patients will undergo surgical resection of the pituitary adenoma. Surgical and histological confirmation of adenoma location will be noted. All images will be read independently by neuroradiologists blinded to clinical and histopathological outcomes. The diagnostic and localization accuracy of PET-imaging will be assessed by comparing the PET findings with histopathology.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Subjects aged 8 or older with biochemical evidence of Cushing s disease and a clinical MRI pituitary neuroradiology result of negative or possible adenoma (e.g. "no tumor" or "possible tumor")
- MRI of the pituitary gland with and without contrast obtained within 9 months of screening
- For newly diagnosed Cushing s disease cases, IPSS is required.
- Ability to undergo PET-imaging without general anesthesia
- Ability to provide informed consent for study participation (parents or guardians in the case of minors)
- Clinical diagnosis of Cushing s disease based on documented medical records
- Surgical candidate for and subject agrees to resection of ACTH producing pituitary adenoma within 24 weeks of PET-imaging
- Normal liver function as evidenced by liver enzyme tests completed within 14 days before injection of radiopharmaceutical: SGOT, SGPT \<= 5 x upper limit of normal; bilirubin \<= 2 x upper limit of normal
- Tolerance of a previous infusion of DDAVP, including as part of workup and diagnosis of Cushing's disease
Exclusion criteria
- An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Current pregnancy or lactation
- Glomerular filtration rate \< 50 mL/min/1.73 m\^2, hepatorenal syndrome, history of urinary retention or post-liver or kidney transplantation.
- Hyponatremia (serum sodium below 135 mmol/L)
- Current diagnosis of angina, significant coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or SIADH due to risk of fluid overload and/or hyponatremia.
- Uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure \>150/95 mmHg) due to risk of further increase if fluid overload occurs.
- Uncontrolled, severe hypotension (sustained blood pressure \<90/60), or symptomatic hypotension.
- Current use of any of the following medications:
- Vasopressors: phenylephrine, dopamine and vasopressin
- Drugs that can worsen hyponatremia: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within 4 days of testing, loop diuretics (bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, torsemide), chlorpromazine, chlorpropamide, cisplatin, opiate agonists within 48 hours of testing, and/or vincristine.
- Drugs that interfere with DDAVP duration of action or potency: carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and/or tolvaptan
- Habitual or psychogenic polydipsia, due to increased risk of hyponatremia
- History of Type IIB von Willebrand s disease due to risk for thrombosis.
- Elevated blood glucose level above 200 mg/dL on the day of the scan prior to FDG administration.
- Known intolerance to DDAVP INCLUSION OF VULNERABLE PARTICIPANTS:
- Children: Children age 8 and older are included in this protocol. More than half of the subjects with CD requiring transsphenoidal surgery at the NIH are children. The knowledge gained by the use of DDAVP PET imaging in children with MR-invisible tumors will provide generalizable knowledge in the treatment of CD in this population. Children under the age of 8 usually require anesthesia for a PET scan, which involves greater risk. Therefore, children under the age of 8 will be excluded from participation.
- Pregnant or lactating women: Pregnant and lactating women will be excluded from participation. The PET radiopharmaceutical used in this study can be harmful to a developing fetus. Therefore women who are able to become pregnant will have a pregnancy test performed within 24 hours before PET imaging. Individuals will not be able to participate in PET scanning if the pregnancy test results positive.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations