FABULAS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility study of RadioFrequency endoscopic ABlation, with ULtrasound guidance, as a non-surgical, Adrenal Sparing treatment for aldosterone-producing adenomas
IRAS ID
222446
Contact name
Stephen Pereira
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint Research Office, UCL
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
High blood pressure (hypertension) causes strokes and heart attacks. While most patients need long-term treatment with pills, some have a cause which can be removed, curing the hypertension. The commonest curable cause is a benign nodule in one of the hormone glands, the adrenals. About one in 20 patients have such a nodule, but difficulties with diagnosis, and reluctance to proceed to surgery for a begnin condition, limit the number having adrenal gland surgery to fewer than 300 per year in the UK. A potential, and exciting, solution to this dilemma is to use a momentary electric current to cauterise the nodule (radiofrequency ablation), without affecting the rest of the adrenal gland, and avoiding the need for surgery. Nodules in the left adrenal gland are easily reached under mild sedation using a similar procedure as is standard for investigating stomach ulcers (endoscopy). Our study is designed to show that this approach (endoscopic ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation) is very safe, and to provide initial evidence that the hormone abnormality is cured.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0948
Date of REC Opinion
30 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion