Pheochromocytoma Clinical Trials and Treatments

Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor arising from chromaffin cells, most commonly in the adrenal medulla (90%), though extra-adrenal tumors (paragangliomas) occur in 10%. The tumor produces catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that cause the characteristic symptoms. Episodic catecholamine release causes sudden hypertensive attacks with severe headache, sweating, palpitations, and anxiety.

The most common symptoms of Pheochromocytoma include Severe hypertension, often episodic or paroxysmal, Intense headaches during attacks, Profuse sweating, Palpitations and chest or abdominal pain, Tremor, anxiety, and sense of impending doom, among others. About 2 to 8 new cases per million people a year (National Cancer Institute). Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for Pheochromocytoma 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. Research in pheochromocytoma is testing targeted treatments for advanced and inherited forms. Belzutifan (Welireg), a daily pill that blocks a protein called HIF-2α, was approved in May 2025 for adults and children 12 and older whose pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma is locally advanced, cannot be removed by surgery or has spread.

Yes. As of October 21, 2026, 5 FDA-approved medicines have a current label that names Pheochromocytoma: Welireg (belzutifan), first approved in 2025; Demser (metyrosine); Phenoxybenzamine (phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride); Phentolamine (phentolamine mesylate (injection)); and Propranolol (propranolol hydrochloride (immediate-release tablets)). Corticosteroids and immune globulins count once each.

Pheochromocytoma is caused by variants in any of many genes, most often RET, VHL, NF1, SDHB, SDHD and TMEM127. About 35% of cases are hereditary, so germline panel testing is recommended for essentially all patients.

It is autosomal dominant, so each child of an affected parent has a 1 in 2 chance of inheriting it. About 2 to 8 new cases per million people a year (National Cancer Institute). A multigene panel identifies the cause in most families.

Yes. Pheochromocytoma can be caused by variants in many different genes (RET, VHL, NF1, SDHB, SDHD and TMEM127 are among the most common), so testing is usually a multigene panel or exome sequencing rather than one gene at a time. About 35% of cases are hereditary, so germline panel testing is recommended for essentially all patients.

It is autosomal dominant, so each child of an affected parent has a 1 in 2 chance of inheriting it.

Knowing the exact gene matters: it decides which trials a patient qualifies for and which relatives should be tested. The labs currently offering the test are listed in the Genetic Testing section of this page, pulled live from the NIH Genetic Testing Registry. A genetic counselor can help interpret the result and decide which relatives should be tested.

Eligibility for Pheochromocytoma 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 Pheochromocytoma 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.