Acromegaly Research: An Overview
Doctors and scientists are hard at work conducting
acromegaly research. Acromegaly research studies are designed to answer important questions and to find out whether new approaches are safe and effective. Acromegaly research has already led to many advances, and researchers continue to search for more-effective methods for dealing with acromegaly.
Current Focus of Acromegaly Research
Most pituitary tumors arise spontaneously and are not genetically inherited. Furthermore, many pituitary tumors arise from a genetic alteration in a single pituitary cell which leads to increased cell division and tumor formation. This genetic change, or mutation, is not present at birth, but is acquired at some point in the patient's life. The mutation occurs in a gene that regulates the transmission of chemical signals within pituitary cells; it permanently switches on the signal that tells the cell to divide and secrete growth hormone (GH). The events within the cell that cause disordered pituitary cell growth and GH oversecretion are currently the subject of intensive research.
Acromegaly Research: Potential Benefits of Participation
In order for acromegaly research to be conducted, volunteers are needed. Patients who join acromegaly research studies have the first chance to benefit from acromegaly treatments that have shown promise in earlier research. They also make an important contribution to medical science by helping doctors learn more about acromegaly. Although acromegaly research trials may pose some risks, researchers take very careful steps to protect their patients. Talk to your doctor if you'd like more information about acromegaly clinical trials.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print