Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC) Clinical Trials

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy arising from the cortex (outer layer) of the adrenal glands. The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones essential for metabolism, blood pressure, and sexual development. ACC tumors may overproduce these hormones, causing Cushing syndrome (excess cortisol), virilization (excess androgens), feminization (excess estrogen), or hyperaldosteronism.

The most common symptoms of Adrenocortical Carcinoma include Rapid, unexplained weight gain (especially in the face and trunk), Excess hair growth or deepening voice in women (from androgen overproduction), High blood pressure resistant to medication, Muscle weakness and easy bruising, Abdominal pain or a palpable mass, among others. About 1-2 per million people per year; approximately 600 new cases per year in the U.S.. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for Adrenocortical Carcinoma from ClinicalTrials.gov, with eligibility criteria translated into plain English. Patients can filter by trial phase and recruitment status, search by location, and use the Match Me tool to score trials against their profile. Because adrenocortical carcinoma is so rare, seeking treatment at a high-volume center with specialized endocrine surgery and oncology expertise can make a meaningful difference in outcomes. Checkpoint immunotherapy, targeted agents, and combination strategies are all being tested in trials coordinated by groups like ENSAT (European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors) and the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology.

Yes. As of September 2026, Trial Friend lists 1 FDA-approved drug used to treat Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Lysodren (mitotane), first approved in 1970.

Each has its own page with what the label covers, side effects and how it is given, and the Treatments section of this page adds any further approved drugs found in FDA labeling data.

Adrenocortical Carcinoma arises from acquired (somatic) genetic changes in the affected cells, commonly involving TP53, rather than from an inherited variant. Germline testing matters here: NCI links ACC to Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53), Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and Carney complex and recommends genetic counseling and testing for patients and close relatives, particularly in childhood cases. About 1-2 per million people per year; approximately 600 new cases per year in the U.S.

For Adrenocortical Carcinoma the genetic testing that matters is usually of the tumor or affected blood cells rather than inherited DNA, looking for TP53. Germline testing matters here: NCI links ACC to Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53), Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and Carney complex and recommends genetic counseling and testing for patients and close relatives, particularly in childhood cases.

Those results guide treatment choice and are often the entry requirement for targeted-therapy trials, so ask whether the biopsy was sent for molecular testing and request the report. The Genetic Testing section of this page lists laboratories in the NIH Genetic Testing Registry.

Eligibility for Adrenocortical Carcinoma clinical trials depends on factors like age, diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. Each trial sets its own inclusion and exclusion criteria. Trial Friend translates these requirements from medical language into plain English so patients can review them more easily. The Match Me tool can score your profile against active trials to help identify studies that may be a fit.

Participating in a Adrenocortical Carcinoma clinical trial typically involves scheduled visits, medical tests, and close monitoring by a research team. Depending on the study phase, you may receive an investigational treatment, a placebo, or the current standard of care. Trials may last from a few weeks to several years. Study participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.