Clinical Research Directory

A Study of Using Social Networks to Encourage Three Peers to Complete Screening for Colorectal Cancer

The Black community has higher rates of colorectal cancer and lower rates of colorectal cancer screenings than whites. Getting screened through FIT testing may help catch colorectal cancer earlier, when it is easier to treat. MSK has created a program to help people who have been FIT tested to also help their peers (family, friends, and colleagues) in their community get FIT tested. The researchers think that training people on peer outreach, such as telling people in your social network about FIT testing and how to get it, may increase the rate of colorectal cancer screening. The purpose of this study is to see if training people on peer outreach increases the number of people who get screened for colorectal cancer through FIT testing.

Bundled Cancer Screening and Genetic Services Navigation

The goal of this study is to test bundled familial cancer risk assessment + multicancer (colorectal + breast) vs. single (breast) cancer navigation, using a wait list control for colorectal cancer screening referral and navigation. Among those eligible, this study will test usual care referral to genetic services vs. pretest education + usual care referral. The study also will assess how bundled multicancer navigation works and for whom it is most effective through a multisite, mixed-methods patient- and organization-level process evaluation.

Colonoscopy Bowel Prep Comparison Among Diabetic Patients

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the Golytely or SUPREP bowel preparation works more effectively in bowel cleansing for colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy in patients with diabetes. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Is there a significant difference in bowel prep cleanse between Golytely and SUPREP in patients with diabetes based on the Boston Bowel Prep Score (BBPS) as assessed by blinded, skilled endoscopists? 2. Is there a significant difference in patients' tolerance between the bowel preparations as assessed by the validated Mayo Bowel Prep Tolerability Form (MBPTF)? Participants will: * Be randomized to take either Golytely or SUPREP bowel preparation prior to their colonoscopy * Complete the MBPTF on the procedure date prior to the scheduled colonoscopy * Undergo a standardized screening colonoscopy during which time a blinded endoscopist will document the participant's BBPS The research team hypothesizes that SUPREP will have a significant difference in tolerability (based on MBPTF), while exhibiting no difference in bowel cleanse (based on BBPS) in the diabetic patient population.

Could Computerized Tomography be an Alternative to Colonoscopies for Screening for Colorectal Cancer?

The aim of this observational study is to investigate whether computed tomography can be used as an alternative to colonoscopy in colon cancer screening. The main question the study aims to answer is: Can colon cancer screening be performed as effectively with computed tomography as with colonoscopy? Participants in the colon cancer screening group will be divided into two groups: those who underwent colonoscopy and those who underwent computed tomography. The screening effectiveness of the two methods will be compared.

Impact of Chewing Gum on Bowel Preparation in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths that could be prevented in the United States. Colonoscopy is the best test for finding and removing polyps before they turn into cancer. However, many people are hesitant to have a colonoscopy because of the bowel preparation. The preparation can be difficult to tolerate, with patients often struggling to finish it due to the taste, volume, or side effects like nausea and bloating. This can lead to incomplete procedures or discourage people from getting screened at all. Chewing sugar-free gum is a simple, low-cost, and safe intervention that may make the preparation process easier. One study from China found that chewing gum did not change the quality of bowel cleansing, but patients reported that they were more satisfied with the process. No U.S.-based studies have tested this strategy, and no prior research has looked at whether gum chewing has different effects in people using high-volume versus low-volume prep solutions. The investigators will randomize 160 participants to the stated intervention or control using computer-generated 1:1 randomization. Upon completing the study, the investigators will analyze the data. By studying gum chewing during bowel preparation, the investigators hope to find out whether this small change can make bowel prep more tolerable and encourage more patients to complete their colonoscopy. If successful, this approach could help more people get screened, leading to earlier detection and prevention of colorectal cancer in the community.

Randomized Control Trial Comparing the Incidence of Loop Formation in Colonoscopy Techniques

A colonoscopy is a common procedure used to check for problems in the colon, such as disease or other health issues. Although it's widely used, one challenge is that the flexible tube used in the procedure (called a colonoscope) can sometimes form loops inside the colon. When this happens, pushing the tube further doesn't help it move forward-it just makes the loop bigger, which can make the procedure harder to complete. These loops can also cause more pain for the patient, require more sedation (medication to relax or put the patient to sleep), and increase the time it takes to finish the procedure. Because of this, it's important to find ways to reduce loop formation. Two common methods used in colonoscopies are called air insufflation and water infusion. This study will compare the two methods-air vs. water-to see which one causes fewer loops. It will be a randomized controlled trial, meaning participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two methods. The study will involve real patients, and the data will be collected by physicians, residents (doctors in training), and medical students. During the colonoscopies, images from a tool that guides the scope will be recorded on video. Experienced staff doctors and surgical residents (with at least two months of special training in this procedure) will perform the colonoscopies. Each procedure will be supervised by a team member, such as a medical student, resident, or staff doctor. Afterward, two reviewers who don't know which method was used will watch the videos to look for any loops. They will look for specific types of loops, including n, alpha, reverse alpha, reverse splenic, and gamma loops. The study will also track how long it takes to reach the end of the colon (called the cecum), how comfortable the patient was (using a standard rating system already used in all colonoscopies), and how much sedation was needed.