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NCT07604272PHASE1Recruiting

Reversing InGuinal Hernia Trial: The Evaluation of Sex Hormones to Reverse Inguinal Hernias in Males

Northwestern University

Start Date

7/1/2026

Completion Date

6/1/2028

Summary

This is a prospective, single-center, three-arm Phase 1 safety and feasibility trial evaluating anti-estrogen therapy in men age 50 years and older with symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernias. Participants will be randomized to receive fulvestrant 250 mg intramuscularly, fulvestrant 500 mg intramuscularly, or anastrozole 5 mg orally for 6 months. The study will evaluate safety, tolerability, feasibility, hormone changes, hernia size, patient-reported outcomes, bone density, and imaging-based hernia classification.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Range: 50 years to No maximum

Inclusion Criteria: * Male sex * Age ≥ 50 years at time of enrollment * Symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia confirmed on physical examination * Hernia visible / confirmed on groin ultrasound * Non-recurrent inguinal hernia (primary hernia only) * Willing and able to provide written informed consent * Able and willing to comply with all protocol-required visits, laboratory assessments, imaging, and follow-up * Willing to use contraception and avoid fathering a child during study participation and for 12 months after last dose * Willing to be counseled regarding vitamin D and calcium supplementation Bone safety mitigation measure per PIND response. Exclusion Criteria: Hernia Characteristics * Scrotal hernia (any) * Bilateral inguinal hernia * Recurrent inguinal hernia (prior repair at same site) Renal \& Hepatic * Clinically significant renal dysfunction judged by investigator to increase study risk * Clinically significant hepatic dysfunction at baseline Hematologic ■ Clinically significant baseline hematologic abnormality (including elevated hematocrit or polycythemia) Urologic / Prostate * Symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) requiring active medical or procedural treatment * Clinically significant untreated prostate disease Skeletal / Bone * Baseline osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5 on DEXA at any site) * Recent fragility fracture (within prior 12 months or as judged by investigator) * Other clinically significant skeletal vulnerability judged to increase risk from estrogen suppression Immunosuppression ■ Active immunosuppression (e.g., systemic corticosteroids, biologic agents, post-transplant regimens) Psychiatric ■ Unstable or uncontrolled psychiatric illness that, in the investigator's judgment, would interfere with safe study participation Reproductive / Fertility ■ Actively pursuing fertility or planning conception during study participation Prior / Concomitant Therapy * Current use of androgen replacement therapy, exogenous estrogen, or other endocrine-active agents that would confound study interpretation * Prior or current use of aromatase inhibitor or selective estrogen receptor modulator / degrader within 6 months of enrollment General ■ Any other clinically significant medical condition, laboratory abnormality, or circumstance that, in the investigator's judgment, would place the participant at unacceptable risk or compromise study integrity

Interventions

DRUG

Fulvestrant

DRUG

Anastrazole

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Conditions

Inguinal Hernia UnilateralInguinal Hernia BilateralInguinal Hernia Without Obstruction or GangreneInguinal Hernia, Without Mention of Obstruction or Gangrene

Locations

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Chicago, Illinois 60611

United States