Gynecomastia Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Gynecomastia Clinical Trials?

Gynecomastia is a common condition in which the breast tissue in men swells, resulting in enlarged breasts. Gynecomastia usually occurs due t the sex hormone testosterone and estrogen imbalance, so the conditions usually occur during puberty. Unlike pseudo gynecomastia, which occurs due to excess fat deposits, gynecomastia occurs due to localized swelling and the development of bumps which could be confused with tumors.

Gynecomastia clinical trials include research on patients to understand the condition's etiology and development and assess the efficacy of new treatment and diagnostics measures.

Why is Gynecomastia Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

While it is commonly seen in boys going through puberty, gynecomastia is also expressed at the neonatal stage and in people over 50. More than half of male infants are born with gynecomastia, and half of the adolescent boys going through puberty suffer from gynecomastia. However, it goes away in a couple of years. Gynecomastia is seen in 24% of men aged 50 and 65% of men aged 80.

While the exact cause of gynecomastia is believed to be hormonal imbalance, the exact reason for the imbalance is still unknown. Several factors contribute to gynecomastia, including growth problems, alcohol, medication, and cancer. Hence, most treatment methods require a thorough diagnostic to treat the underlying cause.

Gynecomastia can impact mental health, especially in adolescent boys who mights feel depressed or embarrassed. Current treatment methods address the symptoms but not the underlying cause of the condition, causing long-term medication that might show side effects, emotional and physical.

Gynecomastia clinical trials are focused on conducting studies to develop improved diagnostic methods to understand the etiology and development of the condition. Moreover, these studies aim to counter the disorder’s underlying cause and study potential biomarkers for different causes.

What Are The Types of Treatment Available For Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia diagnosis is made through a breast ultrasound or a mammogram to examine the breast tissue. Other tests can also be conducted to understand the reason for the condition and to provide treatment accordingly.

Most cases of gynecomastia improve without treatment as the body regains the balance of hormones In cases where the condition does not improve, you might be directed toward an endocrinologist. However, the exact treatment differs depending on the patient.

Current treatment methods include hormone inhibitors and therapy to improve the balance. Moreover, specific dietary interventions are also advised depending on the patient’s health. In extreme cases, the breast size is reduced using surgical methods such as liposuction or a mastectomy.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Gynecomastia?

Current clinical trials aim to provide better treatment methods, especially in surgery. Since current surgical methods lead to scarring and pain, research is being done to find improved methods to help with the procedure. Some of the recent breakthrough gynecomastia clinical trials include:

2020: a randomized trial (NCT04221074) conducted by Zagazig University to compare pectoralis nerve II block and erector spinae plane (ESP) in blocking pain and nerve injury in patients undergoing surgical treatment of gynecomastia.

2021: a multicentered study (NCT05093049) by Apyx Medical to study the efficacy and safety of using the Renivion APR system as an adjunct procedure on one side for patients undergoing bilateral surgery for gynecomastia.