Inguinal hernia in the 21st century: an evidence-based review.
R Douglas Matthews, Leigh Neumayer
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18358264/Actively Recruiting
Led by Northwestern University · Updated on 2026-08-03
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating anti-estrogen therapy in men aged 50 years and older who have symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernias. This Phase 1 safety and feasibility trial aims to assess the effects of treatments on hormone levels, hernia size, patient quality of life, bone density, and safety outcomes. The study is sponsored by Northwestern University and will compare two anti-estrogen drugs. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will receive Fulvestrant 250 mg by injection on Days 1 and 29, then monthly for 6 months, while the other group will take Anastrozole 1 mg orally once daily for 6 months. These treatments are being studied to see how they affect hernia characteristics and hormone changes over time. During the study, participants will have regular assessments including ultrasound imaging of the hernia, blood tests to measure hormone levels, bone density scans, and quality of life questionnaires. Researchers will monitor safety and tolerability throughout the 6-month treatment period and continue follow-up for up to one year. The main outcome measured is the composite safety event rate at 6 months.
CONDITIONS
Reversing InGuinal Hernia Trial: The Evaluation of Sex Hormones to Reverse Inguinal Hernias in Males
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Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Fulvestrant (250 mg IM monthly) | Anastrozole (1 mg oral daily) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Fulvestrant is an anti-estrogen injection given monthly to reduce estrogen activity, studied here as a possible treatment to reverse primary unilateral inguinal hernias in older men. | Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor taken daily by mouth to lower estrogen production, investigated in this study for its potential to reverse inguinal hernia in men. |
| Role in the trial | Assigned to participants randomly. Evaluated for ability to reduce hernia size, improve symptoms, and maintain bone health. | Assigned to participants randomly. Evaluated for impact on hernia, symptom improvement, and bone health outcomes. |
| Primary use | Tested as a novel option for reversing the hernia in eligible older males; not established as a standard treatment. | Investigated as an oral hormone-lowering therapy for potential hernia reversal; not currently established in clinical practice for hernia treatment. |
| How it is given or performed | Administered as intramuscular injections on Day 1, Day 29, and then monthly for 6 months. | Taken orally at 1 mg once daily for 6 months. |
| Evidence status | Human efficacy for hernia reversal is unestablished, but animal studies show estrogen receptor blockade reverses hernia and muscle fibrosis. Clinical results from this trial are not yet available. | Preclinical work links estrogen suppression to hernia reversal in mouse models, but no published human efficacy data exist for using anastrozole in hernia reversal. Clinical results from this trial are not yet posted. |
| Important limitations | This trial is small and currently lacks human outcome data for Fulvestrant in hernia reversal. Safety concerns for bone health and hormone suppression apply, and the approach is off-label outside established indications. | The use of anastrozole is not established in hernia treatment, and human clinical evidence is missing. Safety concerns around long-term hormone suppression and risk for osteoporosis or fracture have not been fully studied in this indication. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
You will not qualify if you...
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 6 months
Participants receive either Fulvestrant injections monthly or daily oral Anastrozole for six months.
Treatment visits monthly or as scheduled
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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R Douglas Matthews, Leigh Neumayer
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18358264/Hong Zhao, Ling Zhou, Lin Li...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30327348/Tanvi Potluri, Matthew J Taylor, Jonah J Stulberg...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35439171/HerniaSurge Group
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29330835/Tanvi Potluri, Tianming You, Ping Yin...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39903526/Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor