Clinical Trial: Genetic Analysis of Birt Hogg-Dube Syndrome and Characterization of Predisposition to Kidney Cancer

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Observational



Official Title: The Birt Hogg-Dube Syndrome: Identification of the Disease Gene and Characterization of the Predisposition of Renal Cancer

Brief Summary:

This study will investigate the genetic cause of Birt Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome and the relationship of this disorder to kidney cancer. BHD is a rare inherited condition characterized by papules, or bumps benign tumors involving hair follicles on the head and neck. People with BHD are at increased risk of developing kidney cancer. Scientists have identified the chromosome (strand of genetic material in the cell nucleus) that contains the BHD gene and the region of the gene on the chromosome. This study will try to learn more about:

  • The characteristics and type of kidney tumors associated with BHD
  • The risk of kidney cancer in people with BHD
  • Whether more than one gene causes BHD
  • The genetic mutations (changes) responsible for BHD

Patients with known or suspected Birt Hogg-Dube syndrome, and their family members, may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a family history and review of medical records, including pathology reports for tumors, and films of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Participants may undergo various tests and procedures, including the following:

  • Physical examination
  • Review of personal and family history with a cancer doctor, cancer nurses, kidney surgeon, and genetic counselor
  • Chest and other x-rays
  • Ultrasound (imaging study using sound waves)
  • MRI (imaging study using radiowaves and a magnetic field)
  • CT sca