Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor (PVNS) Clinical Trials

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor grows from the thin lining of a joint, a tendon sheath or a bursa. In a small share of the tumor's cells, a swap between chromosomes 1 and 2 involving the CSF1 gene makes those cells overproduce a signal called CSF1. That signal draws in macrophages and other inflammatory cells, which make up most of the tumor (NORD; West et al., 2006).

The most common symptoms of Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor include Pain in one joint, most often the knee, ankle or hip, Swelling of the joint, sometimes painless at first, Stiffness and less range of motion, Warmth or tenderness over the joint, Locking, catching or popping, or a joint that feels unstable, among others. A Dutch nationwide study found about 43 new cases per million people each year, 39 localized and 4 diffuse (Mastboom et al., 2017). A Danish registry counted about 56 people per 100,000 living with TGCT at the end of 2012, 44 with the localized form and 12 with the diffuse form (Ehrenstein et al., 2017). Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor 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. Most TGCT trials now test medicines that block the CSF1 receptor. Merck KGaA said in January 2026 that the FDA had accepted its application for pimicotinib, already approved in China, and a Phase 1 pimicotinib study with US sites is recruiting (NCT04192344).

Yes. As of October 21, 2026, 2 FDA-approved medicines have a current label that names Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor: Romvimza (vimseltinib), first approved in 2025; and Turalio (pexidartinib), first approved in 2019. Corticosteroids and immune globulins count once each.

Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor is an acquired condition, not an inherited one. Not inherited. The CSF1 change is found only in some of the tumor's cells, and NORD says no genetic, environmental or lifestyle risk factor has been shown. A Dutch nationwide study found about 43 new cases per million people each year, 39 localized and 4 diffuse (Mastboom et al., 2017). A Danish registry counted about 56 people per 100,000 living with TGCT at the end of 2012, 44 with the localized form and 12 with the diffuse form (Ehrenstein et al., 2017).

Eligibility for Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor 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 Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor 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.