Office of Research
Clinical Trials

Study of Biomarker-Based Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

This screening and multi-sub-study Phase 1b/2 trial will establish a method for genomic screening followed by assigning and accruing simultaneously to a multi-study "Master Protocol (BAML-16-001-M1)." The specific subtype of acute myeloid leukemia will determine which sub-study, within this protocol, a participant will be assigned to evaluate investigational therapies or combinations with the ultimate goal of advancing new targeted therapies for approval. The study also includes a marker negative sub-study which will include all screened patients not eligible for any of the biomarker-driven sub-studies.

This study may be approprate for those with:Newly Diagnosed Cancer

Sysmex CN-6000 D-dimer for VTE Exclusion

This study is a multicenter prospective, consecutive enrollment and management study in patients suspected of having acute PE and/or acute lower extremity DVT. At least eight (8) US clinical sites will be selected for VTE enrollment. After enrollment of subjects by informed consent, a blood sample will be collected, processed, aliquoted and stored for future investigational D-dimer testing.

Self Collection HPV Screening Study

This study tests whether people who collect their own vaginal sample for HPV testing get results that are as accurate as samples collected by a clinician during a pelvic exam. Adults 25 and older who were referred for colposcopy because of an abnormal cervical screening test will first collect a vaginal sample themselves, then have a clinician collect a cervical sample and undergo standard colposcopy with biopsy or other procedures if needed. Lab results are compared to see how well self-collection detects high-risk HPV and signs of cervical precancer or cancer. The study also asks participants about ease of use, comfort, and preferences for self-collection. Results will help guide use of self-collection for cervical cancer screening and possible regulatory decisions.

Dystonia Coalition Projects-3

The overall mission of the Dystonia Coalition is to develop a better understanding of the dystonias so that we may improve treatment. Presently, there are four related projects; the first three projects are grouped together because they are related. The last project will be open only to selected participants as an option. 1. Natural History (NH) Project: The aim of this observational project is to better characterize the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations among subjects with dystonia, how these manifestations evolve over time, and how they relate to other family members. A fuller understanding of clinical features and especially their evolution over time is an essential prerequisite for testing any potential disease-modifying therapies that could alter the course of the disorder. 2. Objective Measures (OM) Project: The aim of this project is to exploit technological advances for development of objective tools to measure the severity of dystonia. Current diagnostic and severity measures depend almost entirely on subjective clinician-rated or patient-rated scales. New technology could ultimately replace these subjective scales as outcome measures. They could also be used for telemedicine. This study is not interventional, but instead relies on video recordings or motion sensors that can non-invasively detect movements. 3. Biobank (BB) Project: The aim of this project is to develop a resource that expands the existing dystonia DNA biorepository to include other biomaterials. To date, no large multicenter open-access biorepository exists for any type of dystonia. Such a biobank is essential for improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of the dystonias, so that rational therapies can be planned. It also is essential for exploration of biomarkers of disease activity that may provide useful outcome measures in clinical trials, or insights into pathogenesis. This study also is not interventional. 4. Patient-Centered Outcomes (PCO) Project: The aim of this project is to delineate both between-subject and within-subject variations over time in response to the standard of care treatment with Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections. Typically, injections are required about every 3 months. Therapeutic benefits emerge within the first week and then wear off after 8-16 weeks, creating a cyclical response known as the "yo-yo" effect. The development of any novel "add-on" therapeutics or replacement therapeutic is hampered by incomplete knowledge of individual temporal responses. Currently, measurement tools rely on clinical rating scales which are subjective, cumbersome for repeated frequent use, and require extensive expertise to apply. This project will develop a patient-facing tool on a hand-held electronic device, such as a smartphone. This is not an interventional study; it aims to collect data regarding responses to routine clinical treatments.

Long-Term Study of People Living with Bipolar Disorder

This study is following adults who have bipolar disorder over several years to better understand how their moods, health, and daily life change over time. Participants take part in interviews, surveys, memory and thinking tests, and brain scans, and may wear a Fitbit or use a phone app to track sleep and activity. The goal is to learn why bipolar disorder affects people differently so future care can be more personalized and effective.

Hypotension in PDD and DLB

Is hypotension the mechanism behind cognitive fluctuations in Parkinson's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy Bodies? The aim of the study is tp determine if the cortical electroencephalographic signatures of cognitive fluctuations are present in PDD and DLB patients with OH. We will use a tilt table test to determine if PDD/DLB patients with OH may have a differential electroencephalographic pattern than those without OH. Hypothesis: PDD and DLB patients with OH will have dominant frequency variability between alpha (8.0-12.0 Hz) and pre-alpha (5.5-7.5 Hz) bands compared with patients without OH.

Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes

The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of fasting on liver glycogen storage and hypoglycemia counterregulation in subjects with type 1 diabetes. Sugar is stored in the liver and is used to fight off low blood sugar levels. Low levels of blood sugar can have a negative impact on peoples' health, especially those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Normally, when the blood sugar becomes low, the release of hormones such as adrenaline and glucagon cause sugar that is stored in the liver to be released into the blood. This process prevents low blood sugar. In people with type 1 diabetes, this process does not work properly and we are interested in finding out why. When people eat breakfast and lunch, it increases the amount of sugar stored in the liver and this may control our ability to fight off low blood sugar. We want to learn whether fasting will reduce the normal responses to low blood sugar. We will study people with T1D. We want to learn how both fasting and eating affect the ability of people with T1D to respond to low blood sugar.

TQR-84 (Placebo Study)

Patients will be told they are receiving either a novel medication (TQR-84) or placebo. However, all participants will receive IR-CD/LD. We will evaluate the differences on motor improvement after levodopa introduction, as measured by the motor subscale of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS-III),13 between a positive framework (to enhance expectations) compared to a neutral framework (to dampen expectations).

Freiermuth ALTO

Decrease the overall morphine milliequivalents administered to patients who present with femoral fracture or shoulder dislocation by 10% through expanded utilization of ultrasound-guided local anesthetic administration. Objective 1: By the end of year 2, 50% of faculty and residents will have performed a nerve block for one of the targeted conditions or completed training utilizing models through educational sessions led by ultrasound fellowship trained faculty Objective 2: Utilize research staff to screen the ED for eligible patients and remind the treatment team of protocols for ultrasound-guided blocks to increase uptake Objective 3: By the end of the project, perform nerve blocks for at least 50% of patients seen for femur fractures or shoulder dislocations, for a total of 311 patients treated Objective 4: Quarterly assess differences in amount of morphine milliequivalents administered to patients for femur fractures and shoulder dislocations among those who received a nerve block compared to those that did not to monitor impact of the program and guide educational and informational initiatives

ALTO ED Integrative Health Referrals

This study tests whether routinely offering ED patients a referral to integrative health services increases use of nonpharmacologic options and reduces opioid prescribing and opioid consumption. Qualifying ED patients (age ≥18) presenting with low back pain, headache, abdominal pain, certain mental health conditions, or suspected substance use disorder will be offered a referral to the Osher Center for Integrative Health. Services available include acupuncture, mindfulness therapy, music therapy, massage, movement therapies (tai chi, yoga), lifestyle coaching, and nutrition education. The intervention is operationalized by adding the Osher Center referral to the ED preference list in the electronic health record to make it easy for ED clinicians to offer and place referrals. Participants will complete a baseline visit in the ED and a 30-day follow-up phone call to capture referral uptake, opioid prescriptions written, opioid use, pain and symptom measures, and patient experience. Patients who are pregnant, prisoners, unable to consent, actively suicidal/on psychiatric hold, febrile, trauma activations, or with altered mental status are excluded. Total participation time is 30 days (baseline plus one follow-up). The primary goals are to increase integrative health referrals and uptake and to decrease opioid prescribing and patient-reported opioid consumption after ED discharge.

Probiotic Use During Pelvic Radiation

This is a small pilot study to see if an oral 5‑strain probiotic (Pendulum Glucose Control, or PGC) can be given safely and reliably to people getting pelvic radiation therapy. Patients who need at least 30 Gy to the pelvic lymph nodes for cancers such as anal, rectal, certain gynecologic, or node‑positive prostate cancer may join if they are adults and able to consent. The study team will track how many pills people take (pill counts at weeks 6 and 10) and will watch for side effects reported by doctors and patients. Doctors will use standard safety grading and patients will complete bowel symptom questionnaires. The study will be called feasible if most patients take at least 80% of doses and at least 70% of participants meet that adherence level. There is a 30‑day safety check after stopping the supplement. If PGC appears safe and people can take it as directed, the results could support larger randomized trials to test if the probiotic lowers radiation bowel symptoms.

This study may be approprate for those with:Newly Diagnosed Cancer

Induction Pembrolizumab in Cervical Cancer

This phase 3 study tests whether adding two cycles of pembrolizumab with carboplatin and paclitaxel before standard chemoradiation improves outcomes for people with high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer. Patients are randomly assigned to one of two groups. Arm 1 receives weekly cisplatin with radiation, pembrolizumab during chemoradiation, then pembrolizumab maintenance every 6 weeks. Arm 2 gets two cycles of induction carboplatin plus paclitaxel with pembrolizumab, then the same chemoradiation with cisplatin and pembrolizumab, followed by slightly fewer pembrolizumab maintenance doses. Patients have scans and blood tests during treatment and are followed with visits every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for 3 more years. The main goal is to compare time without cancer growth (progression free survival). The study also looks at overall survival, side effects, treatment timing, tumor and blood biomarkers, and radiation quality.

This study may be approprate for those with:Recurrent Cancer

PD1 and Radiation Before Surgery

This study tests a short course of radiation (either standard X-ray photon radiation or proton radiation) given before surgery together with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab for people with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Phase I will enroll small groups to find a safe radiation dose and make sure combining the treatments before surgery is tolerable. Phase II will randomly assign patients to receive either proton or photon radiation plus pembrolizumab before salvage surgery and compare the rate of major pathologic response (very low remaining tumor on the removed tissue) to historical results. About 40 patients will be screened and randomized. Key goals are safety, whether the combination increases major pathologic response, and longer-term outcomes like disease-free and overall survival. The study includes tissue and immune testing to learn how the treatments affect the tumor and microenvironment.

This study may be approprate for those with:Recurrent Cancer

Studying a Switch in Treatment for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

This study is testing whether a daily oral medicine called remibrutinib works as well as the current treatment, ocrelizumab, for people with relapsing multiple sclerosis. People who have been on ocrelizumab for at least 18 months and are between 40 and 70 years old may join. The study will look at how MS changes over time using MRI scans, physical tests, and symptom reports. Participants may receive remibrutinib or continue ocrelizumab for up to two years, and those who finish this part may continue on remibrutinib for another two years. The study aims to learn whether switching to remibrutinib is safe, effective, and easier for patients.

Translational Pulmonary Science Center

Researchers are trying to learn more about diseases related to pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Much of this research is done using human tissue and health information. Through these studies, researchers hope to find new ways to detect, treat, and maybe prevent or cure health problems. Some studies may lead to new products, such as drugs or tests for diseases. A repository makes it easier for researchers to perform studies, since samples and information from many different people will be available in one place. Researchers can use samples and information only after their project is approved by a human protection review board, and samples are only dispensed after review by the Translational Pulmonary Science Center (TPSC) research committee.

Understanding Inflammation During Pregnancy and Preterm Birth

This study aims to learn how inflammation during pregnancy affects both mothers and babies, especially when a baby is born early. Researchers will collect blood and tissue samples after birth. These samples help scientists understand how conditions like infection or inflammation inside the uterus may lead to early labor or health problems for newborns. Participation does not change medical care and involves no follow-up. The information collected may help improve future care for pregnant people and babies.

Use of a new medication for prevention of fetal/neonatal thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

Fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (fNAIT) is a rare disease in pregnancy in which women develop antibodies against proteins on platelets (the cells in our blood that are help with clotting). These antibodies can cross the placenta in pregnancy and, if the fetus has that protein on his/her platelets, they can cause destruction of these cells. This results in thrombocytopenia (low platelets) and can lead to severe bleeding events. Standard prevention of disease in pregnancy includes immune suppression with something called IVIG and prednisone. We are comparing this treatment to a novel treatment using a medication called nipocalimab, a treatment that aims to block transfer of the antibodies across the placenta. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either nipocalimab or the IVIG+Prednisone, and we will monitor the safety and response in the fetus and baby.

Brain Oxygen Optimization in Severe TBI

BOOST3 is a randomized clinical trial to determine the comparative effectiveness of two strategies for monitoring and treating patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the intensive care unit (ICU). The study will determine the safety and efficacy of a strategy guided by treatment goals based on both intracranial pressure (ICP) and brain tissue oxygen (PbtO2) as compared to a strategy guided by treatment goals based on ICP monitoring alone. Both of these alternative strategies are used in standard care. It is unknown if one is more effective than the other. In both strategies the monitoring and goals help doctors adjust treatments including the kinds and doses of medications and the amount of intravenous fluids given, ventilator (breathing machine) settings, need for blood transfusions, and other medical care. The results of this study will help doctors discover if one of these methods is more safe and effective.

Efficacy and Safety of Iptacopan for IC-MPGN

This study is investigating iptacopan's effectiveness and safety for treating idiopathic immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN). People aged 12-60 with IC-MPGN who are already on stable treatment may participate. The study will compare iptacopan with a placebo in terms of reducing protein levels in the urine and improving kidney function (measured by eGFR). It also assesses whether patients feel less fatigued. After completing the study, participants can choose to continue iptacopan in another study. The study involves safety monitoring, includes vaccinations for certain infections, and is open only to those meeting specific health criteria without certain exclusions.

Treatment for adults with anxiety

The purpose of this study is to look at two medications, escitalopram and duloxetine, in adults with anxiety (between the ages of 18 and 50) in addition to, two add on medications, clonazepam or pregabalin. The study doctors are trying to understand which medication(s) will work best