NCT04968288 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Natural History of KSHV-Associated Multicentric Castleman s Disease
What this study is about
Background: Kaposi s sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV) causes several kinds of cancer, Kaposi sarcoma (KS), a form of Multicentric Castleman s Disease (MCD) and a type of lymphoma known as Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL). These cancers can occur alone or at the same time in the same patient. MCD can cause a lot of symptoms and problems with various organs in the body, making patients feel quite unwell.
View original scientific description
Background: Kaposi s sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV) causes several kinds of cancer, Kaposi sarcoma (KS), a form of Multicentric Castleman s Disease (MCD) and a type of lymphoma known as Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL). These cancers can occur alone or at the same time in the same patient. MCD can cause a lot of symptoms and problems with various organs in the body, making patients feel quite unwell. If unrecognized, the disease can be fatal. Medications such as rituximab alone or in combination with chemotherapy may help treat MCD but there is little known about the long term effects and the natural course of MCD. Objective: To better understand the biology of KSHV-MCD to help identify how this disease causes illness and how cancer treatments known to be effective in MCD may help patients with this condition. This study also aims to help identify ways to treat the disease by providing other standard cancer treatments that would be useful to use to treat MCD based on what we know about this condition. Eligibility: People 18 years of age and older with KSHV-MCD. Design: Participants will be screened with: Medical history Physical exam CT scan Blood and heart tests Participants will have an initial evaluation. This will include: Review of participants symptoms and ability to perform their normal activities Blood and urine tests Imaging studies such as CT and PET scans. Participants may have a contrast agent injected into their arm. Photographs to document skin lesions Optional skin biopsy. For this, a small piece of the skin will be removed. Optional lymph node needle biopsy Optional samples of the fluid in the space around the lungs, intestines, or heart Optional sample of the liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord Saliva samples DEXA scan to examine the bones Questionnaires Optional limb measurements or cognitive tests Physicians will give participants recommendations about treatment. After their initial evaluation and any treatment, participants will have additional visits. These will occur every 3 months for the first year, then every 6 months for the second year, and then once a year for up to 1 year.
Primary outcome measures
natural history of MCD
Time frame: ongoing
clinical presentation, patterns of disease progression, therapeutic response, disease recurrence and participant overall survival
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
- Biopsy proven KSHV-associated MCD, confirmed in the Laboratory of Pathology (LP), CCR
- Age \>=18 years.
- ECOG performance status \<=4 (Karnofsky \>=20%).
- Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
- Participants may be co-enrolled in other protocols, including investigational studies to treat KSHV-associated malignancies.
Exclusion criteria
- Any condition or set of circumstances that in the opinion of the investigators would make participation in this study unsafe or otherwise inappropriate for a given individual.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Related conditions & keywords
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 Jun 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations