Adrenal Gland Tumor: Latest Research

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 11/2023

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about the scientific research being done to learn more about adrenal gland tumors and how to treat them. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors are working to learn more about adrenal gland tumors, ways to prevent them, how to best treat them, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with them. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options for you.

  • Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy uses the body's natural defenses to fight cancer by improving your immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy is being researched in clinical trials to see if it may be an effective treatment for adrenal gland tumors. Learn more about immunotherapy.

  • Biomarkers. Studies analyzing the role of genes and proteins in a person’s tumor are underway. The focus of these studies is to help fine-tune the diagnosis of adrenal gland tumors and predict treatment results.

  • Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) tumors. SDH is a specialized protein that plays an important role in the body’s metabolism. Researchers think that when this gene is inactivated, it results in cancer, including adrenal gland tumors.

  • Palliative and supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current adrenal gland tumor treatments to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.

Looking for More About the Latest Research?

If you would like more information about the latest areas of research in adrenal gland tumors, explore these related items that take you outside of this guide:

The next section in this guide is Coping with Treatment. It offers some guidance on how to cope with the physical, emotional, social, and financial changes that an adrenal gland tumor and its treatment can bring. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.