Clinical Research Directory

RegisterPROS - A Registry for Prostate Cancers

Prostate cancers are derived from epithelial cells in the prostate gland. Treatment options include surgery, medical (androgen signaling targeted and chemotherapy) and radiation therapy including radioligand therapy (RLT). Survival is linked to early and accurate diagnoses or to the effective detection of disease recurrence and/or treatment failure. One challenge is to develop accurate non-invasive tests that can detect prostate cancer disease activity. A second challenge is to evaluate the effectiveness of such biomarkers during the natural history of this disease (e.g., active surveillance). A third aim is to identify whether molecular markers can predict response to different therapies (either pre-treatment, or early on during the first few cycles of a therapy). RegisterPROS registry aims at collecting data and blood samples from patients being evaluated for PCa disease. Data will be entered prospectively and anonymized after informed consent. All physicians who treat PCas are invited to participate to the registry. Data will be evaluated within regular time frames, focusing on diagnostic accuracy for biomarkers in the different types of tumors, treatment modalities and patient outcomes (e.g. disease recurrence and survival), thereby contributing to an understanding of the role of biomarkers in tumor management.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy for High Malignant Prostate Cancer

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant docetaxel chemotherapy following radical radiotherapy in patients with localized high-grade prostate cancer. Eligible participants include those diagnosed with prostate cancer confirmed by biopsy or surgical pathology, with a Gleason score of 9-10 or containing a Gleason 5 component, and no evidence of distant metastasis. Patients will be divided into two groups: the standard treatment group receiving only radical treatment (radiotherapy or surgery), and the standard treatment plus chemotherapy group, receiving four to six cycles of docetaxel chemotherapy after standard treatment. The primary endpoint is Failure-Free Survival (FFS), with secondary endpoints including Biochemical Relapse-Free Survival (BRFS), Metastasis-Free Survival (MFS), Overall Survival (OS), and assessment of adverse events The study aims to better understand the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the prognosis of patients with high-risk prostate cancer and determine whether it improves survival outcomes.

Assessment of Adebelizumab Combined With Chemotherapy in Concurrent Radiotherapy Versus Sequential Radiotherapy as First-Line Treatment for Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has emerged as the standard of care for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). The incorporation of thoracic radiotherapy can enhance treatment efficacy. Currently, the main types of research investigating immunotherapy combined with thoracic radiotherapy for untreated ES-SCLC are concurrent radiotherapy and sequential radiotherapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of adebelizumab in combination with chemotherapy, when administered concurrently with radiotherapy versus sequentially with radiotherapy, as a first-line treatment for ES-SCLC.

Aromatherapy Combined With Standard Antiemetic Therapy vs Standard Therapy Alone for Prevention of CINV in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy

This phase III, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial evaluates whether aromatherapy plus standard antiemetic therapy improves complete response (CR) of CINV compared with standard therapy alone in breast cancer patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). Despite guideline-recommended triple prophylaxis (5-HT3 antagonist, NK-1 antagonist, dexamethasone), 30-50% of patients still develop delayed CINV. Aromatherapy with lemon, lavender, and peppermint essential oils may provide additive benefit through olfactory-limbic and vagal pathways, but phase III evidence is lacking. 374 patients (aged 18-80) scheduled for at least two HEC cycles will be randomized 1:1, stratified by prior CINV. On chemo day, aromatherapy starts 30 min before and continues until 2 h after chemotherapy; on days 2-5, inhalation is at least 2 h daily.Primary endpoint: complete response (no vomiting, no rescue antiemetic) over 0-120 h. Key secondary endpoints: acute and delayed CR rates, complete/total control rates, time to treatment failure, quality of life (FLIE), anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and safety. Exploratory: plasma GDF15 dynamics and predictive value.

Cognitive Impact Associated With Surgery For Gastric Or Esophageal Cancer

The primary objective of this observational study is to investigate the incidence of Post Operative Delirium (POD) after gastroesophageal cancer surgery. Secondary objectives are to investigate the relationship between POD, preoperative depression, frailty, quality of life, malnutrition and sarcopenia. Participants identified with POD will be asked (at the routine follow-up meeting after surgery) to participate in an qualitative interview, in order to understand the participant's experience of postoperative delirium. The main objective aims to answer: What is the incidence of POD after gastroesophageal cancer surgery.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists Benefit in Preserving the Ovarian Function in Premenopausal Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy

The purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist administration during chemotherapy on preserving ovarian function and Fertility in Premenopausal breast cancer patients, as assessed by anti-mullerian hormone levels, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2) levels.

The Effect of a Music-Assisted Mandala Intervention on Psychological Well-being and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Cancer is one of the most significant global health issues of our time. Chemotherapy, one of the methods used to treat cancer, not only treats the disease but also causes numerous physiological and psychological side effects that adversely affect quality of life. It has been reported that treatment adherence problems are more common in patients with a high symptom burden associated with these side effects. For this reason, it is crucial that patients have achieved psychological adaptation to their condition and treatment in order for the treatment to be effective, to ensure that toxicity is kept under control, and to ensure that the course of the disease progresses favourably. In cases of illness and failure to adhere to treatment, this can lead to unnecessary visits to the doctor, visits to A\&E, hospitalisation, and an increase in the use of healthcare services and associated costs; it may also result in the development of treatment resistance, an increased burden on patients and carers, disease progression, and even death. Various non-pharmacological approaches, such as exercise, expressing emotions and art therapy, can be used to ensure the patient's adherence to treatment. It has been reported that mandala practice, a form of art therapy, reduces anxiety, fatigue, insomnia and stress. In light of this information, the aim of this study is to assess the effect of mandala practice on psychological adjustment to the disease and treatment, and on quality of life, in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Iparomlimab and Tuvonralimab (QL1706) Plus Lenvatinib and Chemotherapy for Extrapulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma

The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of iparomlimab and tuvonralimab injection (QL1706) plus lenvatinib and etoposide-based platinum chemotherapy, consisting of etoposide plus cisplatin or carboplatin, compared with etoposide-based platinum chemotherapy alone as first-line treatment for patients with extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma. Potential predictive biomarkers will also be explored through analyses of tumor tissue, peripheral blood, and relevant clinical and pathological data.

ALND vs ART in Positive Sentinel Node After Neoadjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer

In the case of primary surgery, in patients with sentinel node involvement, it has already been shown that omitting axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), often combining axillary radiotherapy (RT), does not worsen the prognosis and does significantly reduce the appearance of lymphedema. However, patients who have received neoadjuvant systemic treatment cannot benefit from this option, even though in the majority of those who have responded well to treatment, a residual disease in the armpit is low, but there are no studies yet published that supports the possibility of not performing lymphadenectomy. The primary endpoint is to evaluate wether axillary radiotherapy (ART) presents a lower risk of lymphedema with respect to lymphadenectomy (ALND) in patients with breast cancer who, after neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST), present the sentinel node affected. Likewise, we will evaluate recurrences and overall survival in both groups. Finally, we will analyze the quality of life of these patients.

The Effect of a Virtual Reality-Based Mindfulness Intervention on Anxiety, Comfort, Sleep, and Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Breast cancer is a public health issue with a high incidence among women worldwide, and its prevalence continues to increase each year. A breast cancer diagnosis brings significant physical, emotional, social, economic, and occupational changes. Chemotherapy, one of the most commonly used treatment modalities in cancer therapy, causes various physical and emotional symptoms while treating the disease. However, it is well known that these symptoms induced by chemotherapy can be prevented or alleviated through effective treatment and nursing interventions. Recently, virtual reality (VR) and mindfulness-based interventions have been reported as effective tools and methods for managing the physical and psychological symptoms experienced by cancer patients. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of a VR-integrated mindfulness-based intervention on anxiety, comfort, sleep, and fatigue levels among women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, both before and during chemotherapy treatment. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The study population will consist of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer at the Oncology Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital between May 2025 and December 2026. The study sample will include female breast cancer patients who are scheduled to receive adjuvant chemotherapy, meet the inclusion criteria, and volunteer to participate in the study. According to the power analysis (with a 30% additional error margin), a total of 50 participants will be included - 25 in the intervention group and 25 in the control group. The data will be collected using the following instruments: Patient Information Form, Beck Depression Inventory, Cancer Fatigue Scale, General Comfort Questionnaire-Short Form, State Anxiety Inventory, Jenkins Sleep Scale, and the Mindfulness-Based Self-Efficacy Scale. It is expected that, as a result of this study, compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group who receive the VR-Mindfulness intervention during breast cancer treatment will demonstrate reduced levels of fatigue and anxiety and improved comfort and sleep quality.

Effect of AI-Assisted Expressive Writing on Anxiety, Emotional Distress, and Quality of Life Among Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

This study aims to evaluate the effect of an AI-assisted expressive writing intervention on anxiety, emotional distress, and quality of life among patients receiving chemotherapy. A mixed-methods, interventional research design will be employed. Participants will be assigned to either a study group receiving the AI-assisted expressive writing program in addition to routine care or a control group receiving routine care only. Quantitative data will be collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Qualitative data will be obtained through semi-structured interviews to explore participants' experiences with the intervention. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of AI-assisted expressive writing as a supportive strategy for improving psychological well-being and quality of life among patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Feasibility and Acceptability of the Remote Oncology Symptom Assessment Application

The goal of this study is to determine whether a mobile application that combines real-time sensor data and patient-reported symptoms to trigger care-team contact recommendations is feasible and beneficial for patients receiving chemotherapy. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is the mobile application feasible and acceptable to patients? * Do the alerts and guidance improve symptom management, quality of life, and engagement with the care team during treatment? Participants will: * Complete a demographic questionnaire at the beginning of the study and quality-of-life and health questionnaires at the beginning, midpoint, and end of study. * Complete daily symptom ratings. * Wear a Fitbit activity tracker for 90 days. * At the end of the study, complete a semi-structured interview to provide feedback on the study. * Optional: At the beginning and end of the study, complete an in-person physical function assessment measuring balance (Short Physical Performance Battery).

Resilience Enhancement Using Electronic Frailty Index-Directed Care Pathway

The study purpose is to gain a better understanding of the needs of adults aged 65 and older while they are receiving chemotherapy by measuring their resilience and tailor care plans based on their individual needs.

Electroacupuncture for Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Early-stage Cancer

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to clarify the clinical efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture combined with thumbtack needle for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy(CIPN), and to provide high-level evidence-based medicine for the prevention of CIPN in patients with early stage cancer. At the same time, the effects of electroacupuncture on the median nerve, tibial nerve, sural nerve sensory conduction velocity and sensory nerve action potential, as well as on the median nerve and tibial nerve motor conduction velocity will be analyzed.

Intestinal Low-Dose Radiotherapy Plus Immunochemotherapy for Conversion of Borderline Resectable/Unresectable Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal cancer (EC) ranks among the leading malignant gastrointestinal tumors globally in terms of both incidence and mortality. Cases of EC in China account for over 50% of the global total, with squamous cell carcinoma being the primary pathological type. Locally advanced EC (LAEC), particularly cases where radical surgical resection is not feasible, exhibits high recurrence rates and low 5-year survival rates. However, studies have shown that patients with LAEC who undergo comprehensive treatment followed by surgery experience significantly prolonged survival and improved quality of life compared to those who do not receive surgical intervention. Current conversion treatment regimens under investigation include: chemotherapy alone, chemoradiotherapy, immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy, and immunotherapy combined with chemoradiotherapy-each of these approaches has distinct advantages and limitations. Immunochemotherapy has emerged as a current research focus: it not only demonstrates significantly superior efficacy compared to chemotherapy alone but also exhibits lower cumulative toxicity than radiotherapy-combined conversion regimens, resulting in a more favorable overall benefit-risk ratio. As such, it represents the most promising conversion treatment strategy. Retrospective and prospective clinical studies have shown that low-dose radiotherapy targeting the small intestine can enhance the anti-tumor response of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with advanced solid tumor, prolong their overall survival, and increase the incidence of the abscopal effect. Further mechanistic investigations have revealed that intestinal low-dose radiotherapy (ILDR) may augment the immune cancerous lethality by modulating the gut microbiota and their metabolic profiles. Based on the findings from these preliminary studies, the current research plans to conduct a prospective phase II single-arm clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of ILDR combined with immunochemotherapy as conversion therapy in patients with borderline resectable or unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (BR/UR ESCC). This research plans to enroll at least 39 evaluable cases or a total of 43 cases in two seperated stages, focusing on patients with thoracic BR/UR ESCC. Patients will receive a single fraction of ILDR with a mean dose of 1 Gy, concurrently with 3 cycles of albumin-bound paclitaxel (260 mg/m² on day 1), cisplatin (75 mg/m² on day 1), and tislelizumab (200 mg on day 1). The efficacy and safety of the treatment will be evaluated throughout the study.

Comparing the Effects of Art Therapy and Mandala Application on State Anxiety Levels in Chemotherapy Patients

The research is planned as a randomized controlled trial with a two-group (art-based flow drawing and mandala), pre-test, post-test design.

Education Effect on Comfort and Anxiety in 5-FU Elastomeric Pump Therapy

Cancer treatment often requires chemotherapy, which can be administered through portable devices called elastomeric pumps. These pumps allow medications such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to be delivered continuously over an extended period while patients remain at home rather than staying in the hospital. Although this treatment approach offers greater convenience and independence, patients may experience anxiety and uncertainty related to pump use, treatment side effects, and self-care responsibilities. This study aims to determine whether providing structured education about elastomeric pump use and 5-FU treatment can improve patients' comfort and reduce anxiety. Participants receiving 5-FU chemotherapy through an elastomeric pump will be assigned to either an education group or a standard care group. Patients in the education group will receive additional training from the researcher using educational materials and a patient information booklet. The training will include information about safe pump use, management of treatment-related symptoms, precautions to take during treatment, and what to do if problems occur. Patients in the standard care group will continue to receive the routine information and care normally provided by the oncology clinic. Participants will complete questionnaires that measure comfort and anxiety before the study begins and again one month later. The results will help determine whether structured patient education improves the experience of individuals receiving outpatient chemotherapy through elastomeric pumps. The findings may help healthcare professionals develop more effective educational programs and supportive care strategies for patients receiving home-based chemotherapy.

Mandala Painting During Chemotherapy

In addition to managing drug side effects that arise during cancer treatment, maintaining the patient's psychosocial well-being is also very important. Therefore, the aim of this project is to examine the effect of mandala painting during chemotherapy on anxiety, nausea, and comfort levels. This project aims to reduce the negative effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, anxiety, and decreased comfort, by distracting the patient's attention through the non-invasive and non-pharmacological practice of mandala coloring in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Mandala painting is a distraction and positive focus practice. A limited number of studies conducted on cancer patients have shown that it reduces distress and improves psychological well-being. However, no study in the literature has comprehensively addressed the symptoms experienced by patients during chemotherapy, such as anxiety, nausea, intense stress, and impaired comfort. The research will be conducted on patients undergoing chemotherapy for the first time, and patients in the experimental group will engage in mandala coloring for at least 30 minutes. Data obtained from assessments conducted before and after chemotherapy will be compared with control group data. This project will provide a more comprehensive assessment of the effect of mandala painting, a non-pharmacological intervention, on the negative symptoms of patients undergoing chemotherapy for the first time. In addition to its scientific contribution, it is believed that effective symptom management can contribute to patients' well-being. Furthermore, if nausea can be controlled, the need for antiemetics during treatment can be reduced. This will also contribute to reducing unwanted drug effects and lowering costs.

Is the Distance of Patients From Rouen University Hospital Influencing the Time Between Colectomy and First Chemotherapy Cure for Colon Cancer?

This project has for objective to demonstrate that the increase of the distance "Patient home - center of treatment" may be associated with significant, other noticeable, noted events. This distance may also be available in the Rouen University Hospital. The study of the association in this distance and the delay in initiating chemotherapy after surgery in patients treated at the CHU correspond to a pilot study prior to the completion of the analysis at the regional scale.

Breast Cancer - Navigate - Prospective Cohort

The Chrysalis Initiative (TCI) has with its technology partner Eversana/Intouch developed the BC-Navigate website/application to help guide women through care delivery during breast cancer treatment. TCI a nonprofit, breast cancer education and navigation organization is developing methods to address health inequities in cancer care delivery. TCI and its new academic/clinical partner, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, propose to apply TCI's developed patient navigation support techniques to enhance knowledge and self-advocacy among a cohort of Black and African American women, and other women of color (WOC), receiving care in Northwestern's breast cancer program. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to apply TCI's patient navigation-and-coaching program and its website/mobile app (Breast Cancer-Navigate) platform to improve timely initiation to patient adjuvant treatment among WOC breast cancer patients and evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of this approach.

IC Plus Low-dose Radiation Plus Cadonilimab in LANPC

This is a multi-center, open-label, randomized controlled phase III clinical trial in primary diagnosed loco-regionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of induction chemotherapy (IC) combined with low-dose radiation and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) versus IC+CCRT, and compare the treatment-related adverse events and quality of life in two groups.

Total Neoadjuvant Therapy and Organ Preservation Versus Surgery for Rectal Cancer.

This study hypothesizes that approximately 50% of rectal cancer patients can preserve their rectum using a watch-and-wait strategy if they achieve a complete or near-complete clinical response to total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT). The objective is to determine whether the complications, quality of life, and survival rates of rectal cancer patients who have achieved a complete or near-complete clinical response to TNT, followed by a watch-and-wait approach, are comparable to those of patients who undergo surgery first. Additionally, the study aims to identify potential prognostic and predictive markers for rectal cancer and examine survival rates and factors influencing responses to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or TNT. The study is divided into two parts: \*\*Part One:\*\* Participants with cT1N1, T2-T3 N0-1 rectal cancer, MRF-, and EMVI-, with surgery as one of the possible first-line treatment options, will be randomized into two groups. The experimental group will consist of participants receiving TNT, including CRT and consolidation chemotherapy (Ch). If these participants achieve a complete or near-complete clinical response, they will be observed using a watch-and-wait strategy, which is a non-operative approach. The control group will consist of participants who undergo surgical treatment initially. \*\*Part Two:\*\* All participants with rectal cancer who have received CRT or TNT will be included. Additionally, participants diagnosed with rectal cancer who are scheduled for CRT or TNT but declined to participate in Part One or do not meet the inclusion criteria will also be included.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Plasma ctDNA Methylation-Guided Adjuvant Chemotherapy Decision-Making in High-Risk Stage III (T4N+ or T1-3N2) Colorectal Cancer

Patients with T4N+ or T1-3N2 disease will be randomly assigned to either the control group (FOLFOX/CAPOX for 6 months) or the intervention group (FOLFOX/CAPOX plus bevacizumab for 6 months) to receive adjuvant therapy. Venous blood samples (8-16 mL) will be collected at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively for dynamic monitoring of plasma ctDNA.

Measuring Fluid Buildup in Cancer Patients

The goal of this study is to improve the monitoring of fluid retention in cancer patients. The main question it aims to answer is: Can segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis be used to monitor local fluid retention (edema) in cancer patients? We will include: * Breast cancer patients with fluid and or lymph retention in one or both arms after radiotherapy (outpatients) * Cancer patients with fluid retention in one or both legs after chemotherapy (hospitalized) Participants will: * Have measurements taken using bioelectrical impedance * Provide blood samples and 24-hour urine collection * Weight monitorering * Complete diet and fluid registration (inclusive enteral and parenteral) * Have clinical palpatory and measurement assessment of oedema.