Clinical Research Directory

Analysis of Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Liquid Biopsy for Early Detection of Cancer in Patients With a Strong Family History of Cancer

This study evaluates patient acceptability of whole body magnetic resonance imaging (WBM) and liquid biopsies (LB) in detecting early stage cancer in patients with a strong family history of cancer. Collecting family history and testing for genes passed on from parent to child (germline testing) can be used to predict the likelihood of a patient developing cancer. Currently, detection of early cancers focuses on screening specific organ systems such as breast and colon cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside the body. Health care professionals use MRI scans to diagnose a variety of conditions, from torn ligaments to cancer. Liquid biopsy is test that analyzes blood samples to determine if cancer cells are present. This study may help researchers determine the feasibility of WBM and liquid biopsies to detect early stage cancer in patients that have a strong family history of cancer.

Implementation Development for Distress Screening in Pediatric Oncology (ID-DISTRESSS)

This study is being done to understand how digital strategies (e.g., electronic health record \[EHR\]-technology, third-party platforms, and institution-developed solutions) can be used to deliver and respond to evidence-based distress screening at Children's Oncology Group (COG) National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP)-affiliated practices with the long-term goal of improving the quality of care and equitable patient access to psychosocial supports.

Testing the Use of Neratinib or the Combination of Neratinib and Palbociclib Targeted Treatment for HER2+ Solid Tumors (A ComboMATCH Treatment Trial)

This phase II ComboMATCH treatment trial compares the effect of neratinib to the combination of neratinib and palbociclib in treating patients with HER2 positive solid tumors. Neratinib and palbociclib are in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. They work by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps slow or stop the spread of tumor cells. Giving neratinib and palbociclib in combination may shrink or stabilize cancers that over-express a specific biomarker called HER2.

Addressing Financial Hardship in AYA Cancer Survivors Through the Use of the New LIFT UP Intervention

This clinical trial addresses the financial hardship among adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors using the new Lessening the Impact of Financial Toxicity (LIFT) UP intervention. AYAs with cancer experience significant and prolonged disruption in their lives due to their diagnosis and are at greater risk of financial hardship than any other age group with cancer. For AYA patients, health insurance literacy - one's ability to make informed decisions about choosing and using health insurance - is likely an essential component of being able to navigate care and manage costs. A promising strategy for addressing AYA financial hardship is to streamline existing, successful interventions into a single multilevel intervention. More specifically, combining patient education from a health insurance literacy intervention called CHAT (Let's CHAT about health insurance), which helps to address the book knowledge with organization support and financial navigation from an intervention called LIFT, which addresses the experiential knowledge could yield positive outcomes for AYAs. The addition of LIFT UP to usual care may improve AYA access to financial resources and reduce medical costs and distress associated with financial hardship.

Donor Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Controlling Heart Failure in Patients With Cardiomyopathy Caused by Anthracyclines

This randomized pilot phase I trial studies the side effects of donor bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells in controlling heart failure in patients with cardiomyopathy caused by anthracyclines. Donor bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells may help to control symptoms of heart failure and improve heart function.

The Effect of Exercise and Nicotinamide Riboside Muscle Health and Insulin Resistance in Survivors of Childhood Cancer

This trial studies the effect of exercise and nicotinamide riboside on muscle health and insulin resistance in adult survivors of childhood cancer with prediabetes (elevated blood sugar level that is not high enough to be considered diabetes). Nicotinamide riboside is a dietary supplement which is similar to vitamin B3. Information collected in this study may help the future development of regimens to improve metabolic outcomes such as muscle health and insulin resistance (when the body is not normally responding to insulin) in childhood cancer survivors.

Virtual Art Therapy Assisted Re-Integration to Improve Biopsychosocial Outcomes in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors, AVATARS Trial

This clinical trial tests the feasibility, usability and acceptability of a virtual art therapy assisted re-integration (AVATARS) intervention to improve biopsychosocial outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, resilience, emotional regulation, stress, and cognition, among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. AYA cancer survivors (especially those treated at adult cancer centers) historically experience worse psychosocial outcomes and lack age appropriate psychosocial support compared to older adult cancer survivors. Creative art therapy accesses the limbic system to provide a corrective emotional experience in response to trauma and can help patients visually express depression, anxiety, and existential fears, process traumatic events, and regain agency and control. The AVATARS intervention may be a feasible, useable and acceptable way to improve biopsychosocial outcomes among AYA cancer survivors.

A Collaborative Intervention for Improving Cancer Pain Management in Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial tests a collaborative pain management intervention (ASCENT) for improving cancer pain in cancer survivors. Cancer pain is prevalent, under-treated, and remains a major cause of suffering, impairment, and disability for millions of Americans. Individual pain interventions and care models show promise for cancer pain in controlled settings. All cancer survivors stand to benefit from electronic health record innovations, as they can experience profound pain outcomes, including marked under- and over-prescribing of opioids. Digitally facilitated solutions are especially helpful and can be customized to address patient needs. The ASCENT intervention provides patients with an educational guide that describes techniques for addressing cancer pain, and uses community health workers and pain care managers to coach patients through a personalized pain management plan. This study may help researchers learn how pain management strategies can improve cancer pain and lower risk of opioid exposure and dependency in cancer survivors.

Cost Communication and Financial Navigation in Cancer Patients (COSTCOM)

This clinical trial evaluates the effect of Cost Communication and Financial Navigation (CostCOM) intervention on adherence to care and financial burden in cancer patients. Many cancer patients experience financial hardship due to high medical out of pocket costs (OOPC), changes in employment, income and insurance. Financial hardship can lead to a delay or a stop in cancer care, and is linked to poor quality of life. Financial navigation programs, such as CostCOM, provide financial counseling, education and connections to appropriate resources to reduce financial barriers to healthcare and minimize financial stress and burden. CostCOM may improve adherence to care and decrease financial burden in patients with cancer.

Collecting Blood Samples From Patients With and Without Cancer to Evaluate Tests for Early Cancer Detection

This study collects blood and tissue samples from patients with cancer and without cancer to evaluate tests for early cancer detection. Collecting and storing samples of blood and tissue from patients with and without cancer to study in the laboratory may help researchers develop tests for the early detection of cancers.

A Vaccine (Ad5.F35-hGCC-PADRE) for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Adenocarcinoma

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether the Ad5.F35-hGCC-PADRE vaccine is safe and can stimulate an immune response against gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in patients with pancreatic, colorectal, esophageal, gastric, or small bowel adenocarcinomas who have completed surgical resection and standard adjuvant therapy. An additional goal is to evaluate whether the vaccine may help eliminate minimal residual disease (MRD) in ctDNA-positive colon cancer patients. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is the Ad5.F35-hGCC-PADRE vaccine safe and tolerable at different dose levels? Does the vaccine induce GCC-specific T-cell immune responses in patients with GI malignancies? In ctDNA-positive colon cancer patients, can the vaccine promote ctDNA clearance as a marker of MRD elimination? The investigators will compare immune responses across different vaccine dose levels (10¹¹, 10¹², and 5 × 10¹² virus particles) to determine the optimal dose. Participants will: Receive the Ad5.F35-hGCC-PADRE vaccine by intramuscular injection. Be assigned to one of three dose levels during the dose-finding phase or receive a prespecified dose in the dose-expansion cohort. Undergo safety assessments, including monitoring for adverse events, injection-site reactions, and laboratory test abnormalities. Have blood samples collected to evaluate GCC-specific T-cell immune responses. For ctDNA-positive colon cancer patients, undergo ctDNA testing to assess clearance of minimal residual disease.

Phase 2 Basket Trial of Nab-sirolimus in Patients With Malignant Solid Tumors With Pathogenic Alterations in TSC1/TSC2 Genes (PRECISION 1)

A Phase 2 multi-center open-label basket trial of nab-sirolimus for adult and adolescent patients with malignant solid tumors harboring pathogenic inactivating alterations in TSC1 or TSC2 genes

Ensartinib in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Advanced Solid Tumors, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, or Histiocytic Disorders With ALK or ROS1 Genomic Alterations (A Pediatric MATCH Treatment Trial)

This phase II Pediatric MATCH treatment trial studies how well ensartinib works in treating patients with solid tumors, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or histiocytic disorders with ALK or ROS1 genomic alterations that have come back (recurrent) or does not respond to treatment (refractory) and may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced). Ensartinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

Testing Counseling and Mobile Health Interventions to Improve Physical Activity and Diet Quality in Survivors of Childhood Cancer

This clinical trial evaluates several behavioral interventions for the improvement of physical activity in cancer patients. Childhood and adolescent/young adult cancer survivors have been reported to have poor diet quality and rarely meet recommended physical activity guidelines. This trial aims to see whether a tailored intervention based on self-determination theory may help to improve physical activity and dietary change.

Different Types of Massage Therapy to Reduce Anxiety During Chemotherapy Infusion in Patients With Cancer

This clinical trial tests how well different types of massage therapy works to reduce anxiety during chemotherapy infusions in patients with cancer. Many cancer patients experience moderate to severe anxiety and anxiety can worsen by the anticipation of medical procedures that patients have to receive, particularly chemotherapy. Massage therapy, as a complementary treatment, has shown promise in lessening both physical and psychological symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments. Research has also shown the benefits of massage therapy in reducing pain, stress, anxiety, nausea (upset stomach), fatigue (tiredness), and depression in cancer patients. Different types of massage therapy may potentially reduce some cancer patients' symptoms, enhance their treatment, and reduce treatment related side effects.

NCI COVID-19 in Cancer Patients, NCCAPS Study

This study collects blood samples, medical information, and medical images from patients who are being treated for cancer and have a positive test for SARS CoV-2, the new coronavirus that causes the disease called COVID-19. Collecting blood samples, medical information, and medical images may help researchers determine how COVID-19 affects the outcomes of patients undergoing cancer treatment and how having cancer affects COVID-19.

Virtual Reality Intervention to Improve Psychological Symptom Burden for Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment

This clinical trial tests the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of a virtual reality intervention to improve psychological symptom burden for cancer patients undergoing treatment. Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that allows users to experience and interact with three-dimensional, computer-generated environments that simulate the real world or imagined settings. The VR intervention consists of a preloaded with immersive environments designed to engage the senses through simulated sights and sounds. This may include a walk through of a serene forest, exploring vibrant coral reefs, swimming with dolphins, or standing at the base of a majestic waterfall. These environments are created to provide a relaxing and engaging experience. Completing the VR intervention may be a safe and effective way to improve quality of life, reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and promote healthy living for cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Comparing the Impact of Four Types of Meditation Practices for Relaxation in Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial compares the impact of four types of meditation practices, breathing only, focused attention only, mindfulness only, and breathing, focused attention and mindfulness combined, for relaxation in cancer survivors. Studies show that many patients with cancer experience stress and anxiety. Meditation therapy uses a variety of techniques, such as breathing, sound, or movement, that may help to decrease distress and anxiety and enhance the health and quality of life of patients with cancer. The trial is being done to find out how meditation can help cancer survivors feel relaxed and attain a peaceful state of mind.

Comparing Telephone Symptom Monitoring Interventions for Managing Symptoms and Psychological Distress During Oral Anti-Cancer Treatment

In this clinical trial, symptom monitoring (interactive voice response \[IVR\] is compared to automated telephone symptom management \[ATSM\] and telephone interpersonal counseling \[TIPC\]) for reducing symptom burden and psychological distress (depressive and anxiety symptoms) among people receiving oral anti-cancer treatment. Symptoms are the number one driver of treatment interruptions and unscheduled health services use. To reduce the risk of these events, symptom monitoring and management are necessary. However, these services are not implemented routinely, especially in the community oncology settings. Further, depressive and anxiety symptoms are a key barrier to enacting symptom self-management strategies. IVR is a form of symptom monitoring where patients, when called, enter their symptom ratings over the phone. Their symptom summary is sent to their provider, and patients may be advised to reach out to their oncology provider, based on their symptoms. The ATSM intervention combines IVR assessments with a Symptom Management and Survivorship educational handbook with self-management strategies. Patients receiving ATSM enter their symptom ratings over the phone and have their symptoms reported to their provider, but patients are also directed to the handbook for strategies to manage elevated symptoms. Patients receiving ATSM who report being anxious, discouraged, or sad will also receive TIPC, which targets psychological distress and its connection to social support and interpersonal communication. Information gathered from this study may help researchers learn more about the best ways to manage patient symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

Avelumab, Utomilumab, Anti-OX40 Antibody PF-04518600, and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Advanced Malignancies

This phase I/II trial studies the side effects of avelumab when given in different combinations with utomilumab, anti-OX40 antibody PF-04518600, and radiation therapy in treating patients with malignancies that have spread to other places in the body (advanced). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as avelumab, utomilumab, and anti-OX40 antibody PF-04518600, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. It is not yet known how well avelumab works in combination with these other anti-cancer therapies in patients with advanced malignancies.

Collection and Storage of Tissue and Blood Samples From Patients With Cancer

This study collects and stores tissue and blood samples from patients with cancer. Collecting and storing samples of tissue and blood from patients with cancer to study in the laboratory may help scientists create new and better models to learn about cancer and to test new cancer drugs.

A Wearable Biosensor Patch for Non-Invasive Monitoring for Patients Undergoing Abdominal or Chest Surgery

This clinical trial tests the feasibility and safety of a wearable biosensor patch for non-invasive monitoring for patients undergoing abdominal or chest surgery. Wearable biosensor patches have been developed by researchers to provide a non-invasive way to monitor substances that are normally checked using blood tests. This may reduce the need for frequent blood draws. The patches use gentle electrical stimulation to produce sweat and tiny built-in sensors to measure substances such as glucose, creatinine, and markers of inflammation, as well as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. The wearable biosensor patch may be a feasible and safe way to monitor patients undergoing abdominal or chest surgery.

Community-Based Exercise and Nutrition Training and Education Program for Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial evaluates whether a supervised community-based exercise and nutrition program is usable and effective for improving cancer survivors' confidence for maintaining their physical activity and nutrition. Cancer survivors often experience problems with the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, connective tissue), the cardiopulmonary system (heart, blood vessels and lungs) and the metabolic system (how the body's cells change food into energy) following treatment. There is substantial evidence that physical activity, diet, and weight management can improve quality of life (emotional and physical well-being) and physical fitness. Information gathered from this study may help researchers determine whether participating in a community-based exercise/nutrition training and education program may improve levels of fitness, cardiovascular health, and quality of life for cancer survivors.

Ropidoxuridine and Whole Brain Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Brain Metastases

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of ropidoxuridine when given together with whole brain radiation therapy in treating patients with cancer that has spread to the brain (brain metastases). Ropidoxuridine may help whole brain radiation therapy work better by making cancer cells more sensitive to the radiation therapy.