At MedStar Pituitary Center, we not only use the most innovative technology available today, but we are also actively involved in researching better treatment options for the future.
Joseph Verbalis, MD, an internationally recognized leader in pituitary tumor research, is the principal investigator of our lab and of the Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science.
Susmeeta Sharma, MD, is the director of pituitary endocrinology at the MedStar Pituitary Center. Her interests include the medical management of functional and non-functional pituitary tumors and molecular markers in pituitary tumors to identify new targets for treatment, particularly in atypical or aggressive pituitary tumors.
Pituitary Tumor Research
Much of the current research in the field is happening right here at our program. Our physicians are both excellent clinicians and forward-thinking researchers. We have:
- Access to clinical trials: We conduct many clinical trials at our center, so you have priority access to the latest research studies in pituitary disease.
- Innovative research: The answer to more effective care for pituitary tumors lies in research. We are investigating better medications and ways to improve hormone function after surgery. Our physicians conduct surgical research as well, investigating how we can remove tumors more completely using the least invasive method possible.
- Focused expertise: Dr. Verbalis has specialized expertise in disorders of the posterior pituitary. This is a rare, challenging condition that can lead to diabetes insipidus and hypernatremia. Posterior pituitary complications can arise either from the tumor or from the surgery. Our center, led by international experts in posterior pituitary function, is uniquely positioned to treat these complications
Molecular Diagnosis of Pituitary Tumors
The MedStar Pituitary Center team is involved in research focusing on molecular diagnostic procedures. After we remove the tumor, we examine and analyze its molecular structure. This can help us determine if further treatment is necessary. Molecular diagnosis also helps us more accurately predict your prognosis and if the tumor will recur.
Because we do such a high volume of pituitary tumor surgeries, we are able to collect a large amount of tumor data. This is crucial advancing the future of treatments for pituitary tumors.
Learn More About the Grace Study for Adults with Cushing Syndrome
The Grace Study, a clinical research study, is now recruiting adults ages 18 to 80 who have been diagnosed with Cushing syndrome. The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness and safety of an investigational study medicine on the signs and symptoms associated with Cushing syndrome.
Individuals will be evaluated to determine their eligibility to participate in the study. Each patient who qualifies will receive the investigational study medicine, study-related medical exams, and laboratory tests at no cost.
To learn more, click here.
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Campillay, BS, CNRN, Certified Neuroscience Nurse at the MedStar Pituitary Center at [email protected].
Contact Us!
To make an appointment, or for more information, contact us at 844-PITUITARY (748-8482).
