Faculty of Medicine

If you wish to be kept up-to-date about research and treatment opportunities for neurofibromatosis, please let us know. Contact us at:

Patricia.Birch@ubc.ca

Our previous research indicates that the risk of cardiovascular disease is elevated in otherwise healthy people with NF1. This study is a comprehensive assessment of vascular health in adults with NF1. We are currently recruiting for this study. Participants should be between age 18 and 40.

This project asks what issues are important to older adults people with NF1, and describes the signs and symptoms in this group of adults over 50 years. It involves discussion groups for people with NF1 and their relatives. In addition, we are preforming an analysis of the manifestations of NF1 in older individuals.

This research examines the frequency and clinical history of spinal problems, which can be very difficult to treat in NF1. Early detection may play a role in successful prevention or treatment. This study is for children between ages 6 and 9, with and without spinal problems. The study is on-going but is no longer recruiting study participants.

We are developing an in vitro testing system for therapeutic treatment options for NF1 vascular disease.

Other Studies

Other interests include bone mineral density, content and strength in children and adults with NF1, whole body MRI and tumour volume, and clinical studies of tumour growth.