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22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (VCFS) Clinical Trials

Also called DiGeorge syndrome, Velocardiofacial syndrome, VCFS

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also called DiGeorge syndrome or velocardiofacial syndrome) results from a 1.

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About 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also called DiGeorge syndrome or velocardiofacial syndrome) results from a 1.5-3 Mb microdeletion on chromosome 22q11.2, affecting approximately 50 genes. This is the most common recurrent microdeletion in humans, occurring in approximately 1 in 2,000-4,500 people. The deletion results from non-allelic homologous recombination between low copy repeats (LCRs) flanking the 22q11.2 region.

Clinical manifestations are highly variable due to variable breakpoints and gene dosage effects, even among family members. The 'CATCH-22' mnemonic describes cardinal features: Cardiac defects (occurring in ~75-80%, especially conotruncal abnormalities including tetralogy of Fallot, truncus arteriosus, and interrupted aortic arch), Abnormal facies (dysmorphic features), Cleft palate or velopharyngeal insufficiency (occurring in ~30-40%), Thymic hypoplasia (causing variable immunodeficiency in ~75%), Hypocalcemia (from parathyroid hypoplasia in ~50%), and 22q11 deletion. Additional features include learning disability and developmental delay (occurring in ~70%), speech delays, hearing loss, renal anomalies, and increased psychiatric manifestations particularly schizophrenia.

Common Symptoms of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Recognizing the signs of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. Symptoms may vary in severity from person to person. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following, consider speaking with a specialist.

  • Cardiac defects (conotruncal abnormalities, especially Tetralogy of Fallot)
  • Cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency
  • Immune deficiency from thymic hypoplasia
  • Hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism
  • Intellectual and developmental disability
  • Learning problems and speech delays

Who 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Affects

22q11.2 deletion syndrome shows autosomal dominant inheritance; approximately 90% of cases represent de novo (new) mutations, while approximately 10% are inherited from an affected parent with variable expressivity.

The condition affects males and females equally. The deletion occurs across all ethnic groups and geographic populations without significant population predisposition or founder effects. Prognosis varies significantly based on the specific genes involved and the presence or severity of cardiac abnormalities, immunodeficiency, and psychiatric manifestations.

Early diagnosis (through prenatal diagnosis, newborn screening, or clinical recognition in infancy) enables preventive measures and early intervention. Recurrence risk for unaffected parents is <1%; for an affected parent, the recurrence risk is 50% per pregnancy (though expressivity is variable). Germline mosaicism has been reported rarely in phenotypically normal parents.

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Trusted 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Resources

Reputable organizations and medical references for learning more about 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, including disease registries, foundation resources, and clinical guidelines.

Active Clinical Trials for 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Use this 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome clinical trial finder to see the 11 studies recruiting patients in the United States and worldwide, with eligibility criteria in plain English. These studies play a critical role in advancing care for other conditions and may offer access to treatments not yet widely available. Each trial below is sourced directly from ClinicalTrials.gov, with eligibility criteria translated into plain English to help patients and caregivers evaluate whether a study may be a fit.

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Note: Trial recruitment statuses on ClinicalTrials.gov may not immediately reflect recent FDA decisions, sponsor announcements, or enrollment changes. Always confirm a trial's current status directly with the study coordinator before making plans.

11 active trials worldwide
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RECRUITINGRecently updatedNCT00556530

Examining Genetic Factors That Affect the Severity of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Sponsor: Albert Einstein College of Medicine

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a genetic disorder that can cause heart defects, facial abnormalities, and developmental and learning disabilities. The severity of the disorder can vary widely among people. This study will analyze DNA from people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome to id...

Ages not specified1 location
Started Jul 2016Updated 2 months agoEst. Jun 2029 (~2y 9m)
RECRUITINGPHASE2Recently updatedNCT06081348

Sertraline vs. Placebo in the Treatment of Anxiety in Children and AdoLescents With NeurodevelopMental Disorders

Intervention: Sertraline, Placebo

Sponsor: Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

There are currently no approved medications for the treatment of anxiety in children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), both common and rare. Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has extensive evidence to support its use in children's and youth w...

Ages 8 Years – 17 Years7 locations
Started Sep 2024Updated 2 months agoEst. Sep 2027 (~12 months)
RECRUITINGUpdated a few months agoNCT07643896

The ADVANCE (Assay Development and Validation for Pre-Natal and Obstetric Conditions) Study is the Largest U.S.-Based Prospective Study Demonstrating a Circulating Fetal Cell (CFC) Based Approach to Non-invasive Fetal Risk Assessment

Sponsor: BillionToOne Inc.

The goal of the ADVANCE (Assay Development and Validation for Pre-Natal and Obstetric Conditions) study is to compare the concordance of results of a novel non-invasive circulating fetal cell (CFC) assay to the results of prenatal invasive diagnostic testing or postnatal genetic ...

Ages not specified6 locations
Started Jan 2026Updated 3 months agoEst. Dec 2027 (~1y 2m)
RECRUITINGPHASE2Updated a few months agoNCT07284641

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) for Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and Other Autoimmune Manifestations of Primary Immune Regulatory Disorders (PIRD)

Intervention: Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)

Sponsor: Paul Szabolcs

This is a research protocol that will examine Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) using a reduced conditioning regimen (RIC) with total body Irradiation (TBI) in those diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and Other Autoimmune Manifestations of Primary Immune Regulatory Disorders (PIRD).

Ages 5 Years – 40 Years1 location
Started May 2026Updated 4 months agoEst. May 2030 (~3y 7m)
RECRUITINGNo updates in a whileNCT07493096

Intensive Multimodal Neurorehabilitation Targeting Neuroplasticity in Pediatric Neurodevelopmental and Chromosomal Disorders

Sponsor: Healing Hope International

This observational study evaluates functional and developmental outcomes in pediatric participants undergoing a two week intensive multimodal neurorehabilitation program. The program is designed for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including but not limited to cerebral...

Ages 4 Years – 12 Years1 location
Started Mar 2026Updated 6 months agoEst. Jan 2028 (~1y 2m)
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Trial Pipeline

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Data from ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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Related Other Conditions

Other rare diseases in the other category. Patients with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome may find relevant research, shared treatment pathways, or overlapping clinical trials among these related conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome