Regulation of the Proliferation and Survival of Normal and Neoplastic Human Mast Cells
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Summary
This study will examine growth factors that promote and inhibit mast cell proliferation resulting in mastocytosis, a disease of excessive mast cells in the body. These cells can release chemicals that cause itching, blisters, flushing, bone pain and abdominal pain. Patients up to 80 years of age with mastocytosis may be eligible for this 1-day study. Participants will have one visit at NIH lasting up to 8 hours, during which they will undergo the following tests and procedures: * Medical history and physical examination. * Laboratory studies, if medically indicated. * Blood tests to identify genetic changes important in the growth, development, and functioning of mast cells. * Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. For the bone marrow procedure, the skin over the hipbone and the outer surface of the bone itself are numbed with local anesthesia. Then, a special needle is inserted into the hipbone and about 1 tablespoon of bone marrow is drawn into a syringe. Another needle is inserted into the same area to collect a small piece of the bone marrow. Additional procedures may include allergen testing, urinalysis, and 24-hour urine collection. Participants will receive an evaluation of their mastocytosis. ...
Description
This protocol is designed to examine those growth potentiating and inhibiting factors which regulate mast cell number and survival in patients with mastocytosis, and to explore the molecular basis of the disease process in hopes of improving therapy. Patients will carry the diagnosis of mastocytosis based on abnormal bone marrow biopsy and aspirate, abnormal skin biopsy, presence of urticaria pigmentosa, and if available, elevated serum tryptase level \> 20 ng/ml and the presence of aberrant mast cell morphology and surface markers of CD2 and CD25. Mastocytosis patients will include children a…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 0–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
* PATIENT PARTICIPANT INCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants with mastocytosis zero to 80 years of age may participate in telehealth visits, and two to 80 years of age may participate on-site at NIH Clinical Center. Histologic evidence of increased mast cell number by bone marrow and/or skin biopsy or documentation of mastocytosis in the skin supported with a photograph of diagnostic skin lesions Must be under the care of a primary care physician to be enrolled. Ability to provide informed consent. PATIENT PARTICIPANT EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Anemia with hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL, hematocrit les…
Location
- National Institutes of Health Clinical CenterBethesda, Maryland