Clinical Research Directory

Social Health, Activity Behaviors, and Quality of Life Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors

This study assesses how personal relationships (such as friendships, family relationships, or romantic partners) influence the physical activity (exercise) and well-being of young adult cancer survivors. Researchers also hope to learn how social relationships change after a cancer diagnosis, and how these changes might impact important health behaviors. The information provided may help researchers learn more about better ways to support young cancer patients in the future through interventions that help maintain good social relationships and health levels of physical activity.

Breast Cancer Survivorship Biorepository

This study collects blood samples as well as clinical and self-report data from stage I-III breast cancer survivors to create a biorepository for future use. The creation of this biorepository will allow for future research into links between individual, molecular, and genomic signatures and cancer outcomes.

Breast Cancer, Reasoning, and Activity Intervention

This phase II trial tests whether an exercise intervention works to improve cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. Many breast cancer survivors report cancer-related cognitive impairment, which this has recently become a priority in clinical research due to its dramatic impact on daily functioning, quality of life, and long-term health. Aerobic exercise has the potential to improve cognitive function and brain health in older adults and is recommended as a safe, tolerable, and accessible complementary therapy for breast cancer survivors. This study aims to understand the effects of physical activity compared with health education on memory, attention, and brain health in women with breast cancer. Study findings may help researchers design more programs that can improve memory, attention, and brain health in other women with breast cancer.

Concurrent WOKVAC Vaccination, Chemotherapy, and HER2-Targeted Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Before Surgery for the Treatment of Patients With Breast Cancer

This phase II trial studies the immunologic response and side effects of using the WOKVAC vaccine in combination with chemotherapy and HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy before surgery in treating patients with breast cancer. Vaccines like WOKVAC are made from tumor-associated antigens which may help the body build an effective immune response to kill tumor cells. Chemotherapy drugs, such as paclitaxel, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are forms of targeted therapy because they work by attaching themselves to specific molecules (receptors) on the surface of tumor cells, known as HER2 receptors. When trastuzumab and pertuzumab attach to HER2 receptors, the signals that tell the cells to grow are blocked and the tumor cell may be marked for destruction by the body's immune system. Giving the WOKVAC vaccine at the same time (concurrently) with paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab before surgery may kill more tumor cells.

Enhancing Skin Appearance and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors on Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy

This study evaluates changes in skin quality and self-esteem among breast cancer patients who are initiating aromatase inhibitor therapy.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Stage I-III Early Stage Breast Cancer

This phase II trial examines transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in patients with stage I-III breast cancer with chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. TENS is a procedure in which mild electric currents are applied to some areas of the skin to potentially improve neuropathy. This trial may help determine if TENS is feasible and effective for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy symptoms while on chemotherapy.

Taxane and Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in African American Patients With Stage I-III Breast Cancer

This phase II trial studies whether a prior germline predictor of taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) can help identify a subgroup of patients who are at higher risk of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in African American patients with stages I-III breast cancer. The study also investigates whether docetaxel maybe work better than paclitaxel with regard to TIPN rate/severity and dose reductions.

Testing Laser Therapy for Treatment of Vaginal Dryness in Survivors of Breast Cancer, The Revitalize Trial

This phase III trial tests whether vaginal fractional CO2 laser therapy works in treating vaginal dryness in breast cancer survivors. Vaginal dryness can be commonly experienced with normal aging, with menopause, or come about from medications used to treat breast cancer such as chemotherapy or endocrine therapies like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. Vaginal fractional CO2 laser therapy may help reduce vaginal dryness.

Pembrolizumab vs. Observation in People With Triple-negative Breast Cancer Who Had a Pathologic Complete Response After Chemotherapy Plus Pembrolizumab

The phase III trial compares the effect of pembrolizumab to observation for the treatment of patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer who achieved a pathologic complete response after preoperative chemotherapy in combination with pembrolizumab. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. This trial may help researchers determine if observation will result in the same risk of cancer coming back as pembrolizumab after surgery in triple-negative breast cancer patients who achieve pathologic complete response after preoperative chemotherapy with pembrolizumab.

ShortStop-HER2: 12 Months vs. 6 Months of HER2-targeted Medications for People With HER2+ Breast Cancer Who Had a Pathologic Complete Response After Chemotherapy Plus Trastuzumab

This phase III trial compares 6 months of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy to 12 months of HER2-targeted therapy for the treatment of HER2-positive (+) breast cancer in patients that had a pathologic complete response (pCR) after preoperative (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy with trastuzumab. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are monoclonal antibodies and forms of targeted therapy that attach to a receptor protein called HER2. HER2 is found on some cancer cells. When trastuzumab or pertuzumab attach to HER2, the signals that tell the cells to grow are blocked and the tumor cell may be marked for destruction by the body's immune system. Giving 6 months of HER2-targeted therapy may work better than giving 12 months for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer in patients that had a pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with trastuzumab.

Piloting Y-AMBIENT: A Quality of Life Intervention for Young African American Breast Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this two-arm pilot RCT is to evaluate processes and preliminary outcomes of a targeted QOL intervention vs. an attention control among young AA survivors post-treatment for early (I-II) \& late (III) stage breast cancer.

A Quality of Life Intervention for Young African American Breast Cancer Survivors in Treatment

This clinical trial studies the use of a quality of life intervention called Y-AMBIENT to help young African American with stage I-III breast cancer manage daily life. Y-AMBIENT is a four-month, telephone-based intervention that includes three themed education sessions with three follow-up sessions, written materials, and videos. The Y-AMBIENT intervention may improve quality of life and other health-related outcomes in young African American breast cancer survivors.

Fezolinetant for the Improvement of Vasomotor Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients Taking Endocrine Therapy, VENT Trial

This phase II trial tests how well fezolinetant works in improving vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in breast cancer patients taking endocrine therapy (ET). Anti-hormone treatments are effective for lowering the risk of breast cancer but can cause bothersome VMS, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Fezolinetant inhibits the activity of the neurokinin type 3 receptor and has shown activity against VMS in postmenopausal women. Taking fezolinetant may work well at improving VMS in breast cancer patients taking ET.

Geriatric Care Survivorship Intervention for Improving the Overall Health of Older Adults With Stage I-III Breast Cancer Who Have Completed Curative Treatment

This trial studies the effect of a geriatric care survivorship intervention in improving the overall health of older adults who have completed curative treatment for stage I-III breast cancer. Geriatric assessment is the complete examination of an elderly individual, which includes a full valuation of the physical and mental conditions, as well as a check of emotional state. Geriatric assessment and survivorship visits after treatment may reduce health burdens and improve the well-being and quality of life of elderly patients with breast cancer. Researchers hope to improve the overall health of older adults who have undergone curative treatment for stage I-III breast cancer.

Identifying Decision Making Needs for Older Adult Women With Stage I-III Breast Cancer Considering Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant Chemotherapy

This study collects information and identifies decision making needs for older adult women with stage I-III breast cancer considering neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy. Using this information, a decision support tool is then developed to provide patients and physicians with tailored information regarding the risks and benefits of chemotherapy and values clarification to support high-quality, shared decision. Subsequently, the decision support tool will be tested amongst older patients with early-stage breast cancer and health care providers navigating the decision process around chemotherapy, and further refined through an iterative process.

High Cannabidiol Plant Extract (BRC-001) to Improve Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia in Women With Breast Cancer

This phase II trial tests the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) plant extract (BRC-001) in improving joint stiffness and pain (arthralgia) in women with breast cancer taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs). AIs lower blood levels of estrogen in postmenopausal women to reduce breast cancer recurrence. Women on AI therapy may experience joint stiffness, pain and arthritis symptoms as a side effect of the medication. Some women stop AI therapy due to these side effects and do not receive the maximum benefit from the medication. CBD is derived from the same plant family as marijuana but is not associated with a "high" or mind-altering effect and is not habit-forming. Research in animals and humans indicates that CBD might decrease inflammation in joint tissues and may help reduce chronic pain in ailments such as arthritis. BRC-001 may reduce joint pain in women with breast cancer taking AIs.

Integrative Approaches for Cancer Survivorship (IACS3)

This clinical trial is a two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial for non-metastatic breast cancer survivors to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of two integrative health approaches and study design in a multi-site setting. Participants (n=104) will be randomized to either the Ayurveda Intervention (AVI) or Facing Forward Health Education Intervention (FFHEI). Integrative health combines biomedical and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. AVI, a multi-modal intervention, includes nutritional education, lifestyle practices, yoga, and therapeutic touch, called marma, to help the body and mind feel balanced. FFHEI provides health education using self-directed online content and interactive videos based on the latest science in cancer survivorship. This study does not intend to conduct tests of efficacy and is focused on feasibility outcomes.

A Dietary Supplement (Resistant Potato Starch) for Reducing Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Individuals Planning to Receive Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy, AIMSS-RPS Trial

This phase II trial tests the safety and effectiveness of a dietary supplement called resistant potato starch for reducing musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with stage 0-III breast cancer or who are at high risk for breast cancer and are planning to receive treatment with an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase inhibitors are a type of drug commonly used for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer. Many people who receive aromatase inhibitors experience musculoskeletal symptoms (symptoms relating to bones and muscles, such as joint pain or stiffness). Research has shown there may be an association between reduced levels of beneficial gut bacteria and the development of aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms. Resistant potato starch is a plant-based low-digestible carbohydrate that has the potential to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Taking resistant potato starch while receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy may reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with stage 0-III breast cancer or individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer.

A Physical Activity Program Compared to Health Education for Improving Memory and Attention in Hispanic Women With Newly-Diagnosed Stage I-IIIa Breast Cancer, MAMA Trial

This clinical trial compares a physical activity program to a health education program for improving memory and attention in Hispanic women who are 50 years of age or older and are newly-diagnosed with stage I-IIIa breast cancer. Compared to non-Hispanic White breast cancer survivors (BCS), Hispanic BCS report greater depressive symptoms, emotional distress, anxiety, fear of recurrence, pain, fatigue, and financial toxicity, in addition to more cancer-related psychosocial needs and lower quality of life and social well-being. Cancer-associated cognitive decline (CACD) is a related symptom that has gained increasing attention in clinical research. Based on disparities in other outcomes, it is likely that Hispanic BCS also experience greater CACD than non-Hispanic White BCS, but interventions targeting CACD in Hispanic BCS are non-existent and critically needed. The benefits of aerobic exercise among BCS are well documented and include improvement in health outcomes that are associated with cognitive function including fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep. A physical activity program that includes aerobic exercise may be more effective than simple health education for improving cognitive functions like memory and attention in Hispanic women who are 50 years of age or older and are newly-diagnosed with stage I-IIIa breast cancer.

Mindfulness Intervention for Improving Nutrition in the Digital Kitchen Among Stage I-III Breast Cancer Survivors, MIND Trial

This trial tests how well a remotely-delivered nutrition and culinary intervention works to improve diet quality among stage I-III breast cancer survivors. Despite the strong evidence demonstrating the benefits of healthy nutrition on improving cancer outcomes, most breast cancer survivors, do not meet the nutrition recommendations The use of technology in behavioral interventions is proving to be a cost-effective mode of delivering lifestyle education to promote behavior change. The Mindfulness Intervention for Nutrition in the Digital Kitchen (MIND) program is delivered through a learning management system on the Cook for Your Life platform (cookforyourlife.org). The Cook for Your Life platform is a cancer patient-facing interactive program offering free nutrition and healthy cooking information, recipes, and cooking videos that disseminate evidence-based information on nutrition and cancer survivorship. The MIND program may help improve diet quality and increase fruit and vegetable intake among stage I-III breast cancer survivors.

A Feasibility Trial of a Web Based App Intervention in Hormone Positive Breast Cancer Patients to Improve Adherence to Endocrine Therapy

This clinical trial looks at the use of an internet-based application (app) intervention in improving adherence to endocrine therapy (ET) among patients with early stage hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative breast cancer. ET can significantly reduce the return of the cancer in patients who are compliant with their treatment regimen. Despite this, adherence to ET is poor due to side effects, lack of social support and timely access to clinicians, and poor patient understanding of the necessity and effectiveness of the therapy. An internet-based app may help patients improve their adherence to ET by providing reminders, side effect mitigation strategies available in the educational videos and from contacting providers/ nurse on the research team directly via the app.

Dose-Reduced Docetaxel With Cyclophosphamide for the Treatment of Vulnerable Older Women With Stage I-III HER2 Negative Breast Cancer, the DOROTHY Trial

This phase II trial tests how well dose-reduced docetaxel combined with cyclophosphamide works in treating older women with early stage (stage I-III) HER2 negative breast cancer vulnerable to toxicity. Chemotherapy drugs, such as docetaxel and cyclophosphamide, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Docetaxel and cyclophosphamide are commonly used, but is not well tolerated at the standard dose and can affect the way older patients feel physically and emotionally. Giving dose-reduced docetaxel combined with cyclophosphamide may be an effective treatment option and improve quality of life in vulnerable older women with stage I-III HER2 negative breast cancer.

Decision Making Tool in Supporting Decision Making in Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer

This trial studies the acceptability and how well decision making tool works in supporting decision making in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Decision making tool may help patients with early stage breast cancer make decisions regarding their surgical options.

Infertility Survey Among Reproductive Age Women With Gynecological and Breast Cancer

This study develops infertility survey among reproductive age women with gynecological and breast cancer. This study aims to learn how women consider whether or not to try to have a baby after surviving cancer. The advice gathered from this survey may be shared with patients and survivors in the future, so that they have information to inform their decisions about cancer treatment and family planning.