Clinical Research Directory

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Comparing of Sesame Oil, Nitroglycerin Ointment, and Aloe Vera Gel

compare the effectiveness sesame oil, aloe Vera gel, and nitroglycerin ointment prevention of phlebitis.

A Pilot Study Evaluating β-hydroxybutyrate Supplementation Concomitant to Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed by Immunotherapy Combined With CAPEOX Neoadjuvant Therapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

This study is a prospective phase II clinical trial aimed at exploring the potential benefits of supplementing β-hydroxybutyrate with existing short course radiotherapy sequential immunotherapy and CAPEOX therapy.

Investigation of Digital Media Use in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

This study aims to examine digital media use and eHealth literacy among patients receiving chemotherapy. Digital media has become an important tool for accessing health information, communicating with healthcare providers, and supporting self-management. This observational study will be conducted with adult patients receiving chemotherapy in an outpatient setting. Data will be collected using a sociodemographic information form and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of digital media use and digital health literacy levels in chemotherapy patients.

Hypoglossal Acupuncture for Dysgeusia in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate hypoglossal acupuncture in comparison to sham acupuncture and standard medical treatment (dietary recommendations) in the treatment of dysgeusia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Ramucirumab (Cyramza), Nal-IRI (ONIVYDE) and Trifluridine/Tipiracil (Lonsurf) in Second Line Metastatic Gastric Cancer .

Primary Objectives * In phase 1b cohort, to determine MTD (maximum tolerated dose) of nal-IRI (ONIVYDE®) in combination with Ramucirumab (Cyramza®) and TAS-102 (LONSURF®) * In phase II cohort, to evaluate disease objective response rate (ORR) of Ramucirumab (Cyramza®), nal-IRI (ONIVYDE®) in combination with TAS-102 (LONSURF®) Secondary Objectives * To evaluate disease control rate (DCR) * To evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) * To evaluate overall survival (OS) * To assess the safety profile * To study the blood biomarkers

Receptive Music Therapy Effects on Anxiety, Depression, QoL, and EGF, IL-8, and NfL During the Breast Cancer Treatment.

The goal of this clinical study is to investigate whether receptive music therapy can help women with breast cancer by reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, improving quality of life, and influencing specific analytes in plasma, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and neurofilament light chain (NfL). Main Questions the Study Aims to Answer: GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of receptive music therapy on anxiety and depression symptoms, quality of life, and the levels of epidermal growth factor, interleukin-8, and neurofilament light chain in plasma during treatment in women with breast cancer. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: * To determine whether there is a correlation between the levels of epidermal growth factor, interleukin-8, and neurofilament light chain in plasma and the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms. * To determine whether there is a correlation between the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms and quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a music group or a control group. The study will take place during the perioperative period and chemotherapy (in participants for whom chemotherapy will be indicated). At two (perioperative) or three (+ chemotherapy) time points, participants will: * Undergo assessments for anxiety, depression, and quality of life * Provide blood samples for analytes analysis (EGF, IL-8, NfL) * Receive music therapy sessions (for those in the intervention group) The scientific contribution of this study lies in understanding the relationship between the application of receptive music therapy and the plasma levels of epidermal growth factor, interleukin-8, and neurofilament light chain in women with breast cancer during the perioperative period and chemotherapy, as well as its association with the occurrence of pronounced anxiety and depression symptoms related to the malignant process. This study represents the first application of such research in this patient population and serves as a foundation for the future implementation of receptive music therapy in the complementary treatment of breast cancer.

Ponatinib Plus Chemotherapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent cancer in children, decreases in adolescence and adulthood, and a second peak can be recorded starting from the 6th decade of life. While the outcome in children is excellent, in the adolescent/adult population, the prognosis, though improved over the decades, it is still unsatisfactory and novel biologically-driven approaches are urgently needed. In this setting, thanks to the introduction of genome wide technologies, it was possible to recognize specific subset of ALL. Among those, the BCR/ABL1-like ALL are of extreme importance, since they are characterized by an unfavourable outcome and, on the other hand, can benefit of a targeted treatment, in particular with the pan-tyrosine kinase inhibitor ponatinib. The primary objective is to evaluate the clinical response - in terms of MRD negativity - in patients with a BCR/ABL1-like profile, according to the BCR/ABL1-like predictor tool, treated with Ponatinib in combination with chemotherapy.

Home Monitoring of Complete Blood Count Performed by Patients - a Pilot Study on the Implementation Process in South Baltic Countries.

Introduction: The number of diagnosed cancers is systematically increasing every year. Cancer patients need to undergo regular blood tests to monitor safety and eligibility for treatment. In case of poor blood results, the chemotherapy session must be omitted. For patients living far from the center, this means unnecessary travel with involvement of helpers, additional costs, increased potential of hospital acquired infections, and frustration associated with missed opportunity for treatment. Aims: The primary aim of this study is to gain knowledge about successful implementation of remote, home monitoring of complete blood count to cancer patients during and after systemic treatment for cancer. The secondary aim of the AMBeR collective study protocol is to pilot new technology, gain more context around future investigations and verify costs and changes in patient treatment pathways. Methodology: The investigators will test implementation of home blood monitoring in three South Baltic Countries (DK, PL, GER). Each site will participate in the implementation study with study group á n=33 (total n=165) and control group n=20 (total n=100). The duration of the study is planned for 4 cycles of chemotherapy for each patient and a 3-month follow up period. The first cycle of learning and training at the Outpatient Daily Clinic, then the remaining 3 cycles of blood monitoring at home. The average cycle length is 21-30 days, number of measurements will be determined individually depending on the diagnosis. At a baseline, after 4 cycles of chemotherapy (12-16 weeks) and after a 3-month follow-up period, parallel studies will be carried out in both the study and control groups, using mixed methods the investigators will assess outcomes of reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance (RE-AIM). Expected benefits: Implementation of the AMBeR study should reduce the amount of unnecessary and nontherapeutic hospital visits and improve manageability and independence of the patients. The investigators believe that the decrease in the number of hospital visits will diminish the risk of infection for vulnerable individuals, as well as save costs for patients and hospitals. These factors will also translate into better logistics of chemotherapy units, decreased carbon-dioxide trail, and improved quality of life and patient empowerment.

Cervical Cancer Oligo States (Recurrence, Metastasis) Multicentre Outcomes Study.

Systemic chemotherapy with or without palliative radiation represents the current standard of care in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervix cancer. In addition, pelvic radiotherapy including brachytherapy is also recommended. There is no consensus on the treatment of metastatic site in patients with oligo-metastatic or oligo-recurrent cervix cancer. Also, it is not clear if addition of local treatment to systemic chemotherapy benefits all patients with metastatic disease or a select few with limited systemic disease burden. It's presently unclear which patients derive maximum benefit with integration of radiation at both primary and metastatic site, who develop infield recurrence if performing salvage surgery, locally directed treatments or re-irradiation in addition to systemic chemotherapy improves overall outcomes. The heterogeneity in clinical practice provides an important opportunity to develop a framework for data collection and future studies within such subgroup of patients. In this retrospective study, we aim to determine overall survival, Infield progression free survival, overall progression free survival, dose response relationship of nodal and visceral progressions, and within setting of re-irradiation (infield progressions), severe adverse events and toxicity, risk groups identification, a nomogram which correlates risk groups with expected outcomes, and framework for tissue collection for translational research Investigators will record the parameters in a predesigned proforma without including personal identifiers.

Study on the Impact of Electroacupuncture Combined With Self-Acupressure on the Quality of Life of Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture combined with self-acupressure on the quality of life of early-stage breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.