17AAG to Treat Kidney Tumors in Von Hippel-Lindau Disease
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2009-01-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This study will examine whether the drug 17AAG (17-allylamino 17-demethoxygeldanamycin) can
shrink kidney tumors in patients with Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL), a rare, inherited
syndrome in which patients develop tumors in certain parts of the body. 17AAG contributes to
the destruction of proteins in cells that may play in role in causing cancer and spurring
tumor growth. The study will also look at the effect of 17AAG on other tumors patients may
have that are caused by VHL, on the amount of blood vessels in the tumors, on the biologic
activity of the tumor, and on cells circulating in the bloodstream, as well as the safety of
the drug and its impact on the kidney tumor in patients whose tumor(s) is removed.
Patients 18 years of age and older with von Hippel-Lindau disease who have at least one
kidney tumor large enough to pose a risk of metastasis (spread of cancer to other parts of
the body) may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical history and
physical examination, computed tomography (CT) scan, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
see below), and blood and urine tests. Additional tests, including a 24-hour urine
collection, ultrasound of the testicles in men, hearing test, eye exam, and MRI of the spine,
may be done if recent test results are not available.
Participants undergo the following tests and procedures:
MRI: This test uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show structural and chemical
changes in tissue. During the scan, the patient lies on a table in a narrow cylinder
containing a magnetic field, wearing earplugs to muffle loud noises that occur with
electrical switching of the magnetic fields. A catheter (plastic tube) is inserted into the
patient's arm to administer a contrast dye that enhances the images.
17AAG treatment: Patients receive 17AAG infusions into a vein once a week for 3 weeks out of
every 4, for 3 months. The infusions last up to 1 to 2 hours.
Repeat testing: After 3 months, patients have repeat MRI scans to measure changes in tumor
activity, blood flow, and number of blood vessels in the tumor since the pretreatment scans.
They may have additional tests, including a CT scan, eye exam, and other tests to evaluate
the effect of 17AAG on the tumors.