Clinical Research Directory

Vascular Disease Discovery Protocol

Background: Some genetic diseases put increase the risk of heart and blood diseases, which are the number one cause of death and disability in the U.S. Researchers want to study diseases of the heart and/or blood vessels. They want to collect data and specimens from affected people, their family members, and healthy people. Objective: To study diseases of the heart and/or blood vessels. Eligibility: People age 2 and older who may have genetic disease affecting the heart and/or blood vessels Their relatives Healthy volunteers Design: Participants will be screened with a medical history, physical exams, and imaging tests. Participants may have a few visits or visits for 2 weeks or more. This will depend on their age and disease status. Visits may include: Photographs of the face and body Heart tests Samples taken of blood, urine, saliva, skin, and/or tissue Scans. For some, a dye may be injected into a vein. A six-minute walk test Lung tests. For some, participants will blow into a tube. For others, they will breathe in a gas from a mask, have a small injection, then have a scan. Stress tests while walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike Ultrasound of veins and arteries Devices outside the body testing the stiffness and function of arteries Eye exam and eye tests. For some, a dye may be injected in a vein. Blood pressure tests Measurements of blood flow under the skin and in the arms and fingernail blood vessels Devices outside the body testing flexibility of the blood vessels and skin, and skin temperature

Assessment of Topical Minoxidil on Intraoperative Flap Perfusion and Cutaneous Flap Viability in Breast Recon

The purpose of the study is to determine whether pharmacologic delay using minoxidil in patients undergoing bilateral risk reducing mastectomy with reconstruction could achieve improvement in flap perfusion and flap viability at the time of surgery. Patients will undergo randomization of their breasts to determine which breast will receive the experimental intervention and which breast will serve as the internal control (receive placebo). The experimental breast will receive the novel pharmacologic delay treatment, 5% minoxidil, while the internal control breast will receive the current standard of care, which does not include any topical application prior to surgery - a placebo control will be used. This will be a triple-blind study, where both the participants and investigators will be blinded to which breast will receive the intervention. The patients will receive two bottles "compound A" and "compound B" with directions from the pharmacy for which compound to apply to each breast. Product will be applied for 2 weeks prior to planned surgery. Surgery will proceed without any changes to standard practice.

GLUCOSE-MGH: Genetic Links Understood Through Challenge With Oral Semaglutide Exposure at MGH

The goal of this research study is to evaluate the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which genetic variation impacts response to an FDA-approved medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes called oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) and to characterize the physiological response to a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) before and after a 14-day treatment with oral semaglutide. The investigators will do this by measuring factors in the blood, such as sugars, fats, metabolites, and proteins, after eating a standardized breakfast meal at the first visit and after taking 14 doses of oral semaglutide over two weeks before the second study visit. The food (mixed meal breakfast) we will be studying is specially prepared to contain a set amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The investigators hypothesize that understanding how the acute biochemical response to oral semaglutide differs by genetic variation will generate insight into drug mechanisms and type 2 diabetes pathophysiology.

Prospective Multicenter Registry of Gender, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) of Women With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Create a multicenter prospective registry that collects information from women affected by acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This registry aims to understand the diversity in the presentation of women with ACS. It proposes to conduct a thorough characterization of the women involved in the study through genetic, biochemical, and molecular analysis.This approach aims to identify any differences in the characteristics of women with ACS and to identify disease subtypes that may influence treatment options and clinical outcomes.

EXOME Analysis Position in the Strategy of Genetic Predisposition Factors Identification in Early-onset Cancer

5 to 10% of cancers are due to the presence of a constitutional genetic alteration. It can be inherited from parents (family form) or by accident, in the first moments of life after fertilization (sporadic form). In both cases, this genetic alteration is constitutional and transmissible to descendants. It is hereditary. When an hereditary early form is suspected, several well-known genes generally involved in genetic predispositions to cancer are found by a technique called " gene panel ". However, this analysis does not always identify the genetic predisposing factors for cancer. New techniques called "high-throughput exome sequencing (SHD-E)", allow more than the analysis of the the gene panel. These analysis allow to identify alterations in other genes that could contribute to the development of cancer. The objective of the Ex²trican study is to show, from patients with early cancer (sporadic or familial form), that this approach to exome sequencing can be effective to identify new genetic risk of cancer, when the first panel analysis of genes is negative.

Outcomes of Health Care Transition for AYA With a Cancer Predisposition

This observational study evaluates whether adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with a cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS) establish and maintain adult health care and continue CPS-specific cancer surveillance after graduating from pediatric care at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH). Participants will complete a Readiness Assessment and periodic surveys over 8 years post-graduation. Primary Objectives * To evaluate whether adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with a cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS) report they have established care with adult health care providers and pursue CPS-specific cancer surveillance within 1-year post-graduation from SJCRH. * To evaluate whether AYAs with CPS report they maintain care with adult health care providers and continue CPS-specific cancer surveillance 3 years post-graduation from SJCRH. Exploratory Objectives: * To evaluate whether AYAs with CPS report they continue to maintain care with adult health care providers and complete CPS-specific cancer surveillance longitudinally 5 years and 8 years post-graduation from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH). * To examine clinical correlates of establishing care with adult providers and initiating CPS-specific cancer surveillance post-graduation from SJCRH. * To identify the tumors diagnosed in AYAs with CPS after they graduate from SJCRH and determine how these tumors were identified (i.e., through specific surveillance tests or based on symptoms). * To identify barriers and facilitators AYAs face when establishing and maintaining adult health care and pursuing CPS-specific cancer surveillance.

The Preventive Risk Outreach And Cascade Testing

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a new online program developed by the research team is able to help families learn about family cancer risk and how to reduce this risk, as well as help interested family members get low-cost, at-home genetic testing for cancer risk.

Mayo Clinic Precure - Prospective Study

The goal of this observational study is to 1) better understand and predict biological processes before disease begins or is identified, 2) study genomic and environmental contributors to disease, 3) identify ways to stop disease advancement before it becomes serious or complex, and 4) identify potential targets for disease therapy. Participants will be asked to: * collect biological samples, * download a mobile app, * collect speech (voice) recordings, and * complete surveys

Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes

This study aims to examine the role of genetic and epigenetic factors, maternal nutrition, lifestyle, emotional health, and other environmental factors in pregnancy or postpartum period that can influence future maternal risk of metabolic and mental wellness, including body weight changes. The study will recruit women in early pregnancy and later follow their children after birth, tracking both the mother and child until the child reaches at least 20 years of age.

Barriers and Facilitators of Parent-Child Communication in Children With Cancer Predisposition

Testing children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA) for a genetic risk for cancer can help with early prevention and detection of cancers through regular follow-ups and medical care. After receiving genetic test results, CAYA may not accurately understand what their results mean, and parents are often unsure about talking with their CAYA about their genetic risk for cancer. By understanding how parents communicate with their CAYA, the investigators can improve future genetic education to reduce cancer risk. Primary Objectives: * Identify qualities of parent-CAYA (child, adolescent, and young adults) communication about CAYAs' genomic cancer risk, and their association with CAYAs' psychosocial and prevention outcomes. * Examine the association between sociodemographic, cancer-related, and psychosocial factors and parent-CAYA communication regarding CAYAs' genomic risk for cancer. * Identify barriers and facilitators of parent-CAYA communication regarding CAYAs' genomic risk for cancer.

The Effect of rs7903146 Genotype on Islet GLP-1 Production in Humans

The investigators recently demonstrated that blockade of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1's (GLP-1) receptor (GLP1R) results in changes in islet function without changes in circulating GLP-1. These effects are more pronounced in people with early type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in keeping with increased expression of PC-1/3 and GLP-1 that is observed in diabetic islets. However, its regulation is at present unknown. Common genetic variation in the TCF7L2 locus (T-allele at rs7903146) arguably confers the greatest genetic risk of T2DM. It is associated with α- and β-cell dysfunction. TCF7L2 (the product of TCF7L2) was first described as the transcription factor necessary for proglucagon expression in intestinal L-cells (which secrete GLP-1). This led to speculation that TCF7L2 confers risk of diabetes via changes in circulating GLP-1. This has turned out to not be the case. This raises the possibility that these diabetogenic effects are mediated via an inability of islet GLP-1 to adapt to rising glycemia. Therefore, this experiment will determine the contribution of islet GLP-1 to the functional abnormalities of the islet associated with the TCF7L2 locus.

Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Consortium

The purpose of the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium is to conduct research on multiple aspects of early detection and prevention of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by establishing a multisite cohort of individuals with family history of PDAC and/or individuals carrying pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) in genes linked to PDAC risk for longitudinal follow up.

Genetic Investigation of Cancer Predisposition

Clinical information and samples (blood, saliva, and tumor) will be collected from patients with multiple cancers and/or a family history of cancer as well as from affected and unaffected relatives; samples will be systematically sequenced and evaluated for candidate driver mutations.

Enhancing Information Management for Young Adults After Genetic Cancer Risk Testing

This research is being done to develop the electronic platform Nest for young adults (ages 18-39) who have had prior cancer genetic testing. The platform will give patients and their clinicians access to continuously updated information about both pathogenic variants and variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The name of the intervention used in this research study is: Nest portal (electronic platform for patients and clinicians)

Precision Medicine in the Prostate Cancer Care Pathway

This study aims to evaluate the use of a prostate cancer specific predisposition genetic panel test in men with / at high risk of prostate cancer. The genetic test will analyse men's DNA samples for the presence of mutations in rare genes as well as common genetic variation to provide men with information about their risk of prostate cancer. This study will evaluate the clinical impact of the test on risk assessment and clinical management in terms of screening and treatment.

PTX3-targeted Antifungal Prophylaxis

This is a prospective genetically-stratified randomized double-blind event-driven multicentre clinical trial to assess the efficacy of posaconazole-based antifungal prophylaxis allocation strategies for patients with acute myeloid leukemia who receive induction chemotherapy. Allocation strategy based on an invasive mold infection genetic risk will be double-blinded.

Understanding Gene ENvironment Interaction in ALcohol-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

It has been estimated that alcohol causes around 40% of premature liver deaths in Europe each year, although this number is probably underestimated. Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and liver death in Europe with a peak age of deaths occurring among individuals aged 40 to 50. Despite these findings, ALD is little studied with only 5% of all clinical trials in the field of liver disease recorded on ClinicalTrials.gov and only 5% of all publications in the same research area. Liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death (15-20% survival at 5 years) and the second most common cause of alcohol-related cancers worldwide. Like other complex diseases, ALD-HCC results from the interaction between environmental determinants and genetic variations but knowledge of gene-environment interactions is currently lacking in this area. The GENIAL project will address these needs through a comprehensive evaluation of gene-environment interactions concerning ALD-HCC.

Evaluation of Risk of hEpatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common solid cancer and the second cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), that is hepatic accumulation of fat in excess of 5% not explained by at risk alcohol intake, is projected to become the leading cause of HCC in Western countries within 2025.NAFLD is most frequently caused by insulin resistance due to unhealthy lifestyle. Due to the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes, NAFLD now affects one in three individuals worldwide. NAFLD-HCC frequently develops without overt cirrhosis suggesting that steatosis directly promotes hepatic carcinogenesis.

Prostate Tissue BioBank

Prostate cancer is also the most common cancer in men with inherited pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Beyond BRCA1/2, other genes are known to increase the risk of prostate cancer, including ATM, TP53 and HOXB13. The investigators have shown that 5% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer localized to their prostate gland and up to 10-15% of patients with metastatic prostate cancer gland are carriers of an inherited gene mutation. The Prostate Tissue BioBank is a prospective study which aims to create a biorepository of prostate tissue samples from prostate biopsies and prostatectomies and matched germline DNA from pathogenic mutation carriers in addition to age-matched control samples. Our primary goal is to investigate prostate cancer development and treatment response in carriers of germline DNA repair mutations, as compared to non-carrier controls.

Mayo Clinic Tapestry 2.0: Applying Multi-Omics for Scientific Discovery

The purpose of this study is to use multi-omics testing on samples collected from Mayo Clinic patients to build and expand on what has been learned about genomic data.

Genetic Information Assistant in Telegenetics

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about different ways cancer genetic screening can be provided to rural communities in participants at high risk for certain cancers. The main question it aims to answer is: • Does receiving pre-genetic test education with a chat bot or genetic counselor affect if the participant decides to get genetic testing? Participants will: * have a pre-test genetic counselling session with a genetic counselor or the GIA chatbot * answer questions about their cancer genetic knowledge and how they are doing * provide a saliva sample for genetic testing to test for cancer gene mutations * have their genetic testing results provided to them. * have the option to share their genetic testing results with family members Researchers will compare how many participants who had pre-genetic counseling with the chatbot received genetic testing to how many participants who had pre-genetic counseling with a genetic counselor received genetic testing.

InterNatIonal CHildhood Leukemia Microbiome/MEtabolome Cohort

Nutritional status is a measurable and modifiable factor that is often not considered during treatment and its clinical impact undervalued due in part to the heavy demands on clinicians in low and middle income countries to deliver therapy to large numbers of patients. The proposed study will create a biobank of clinical data and biological specimens which will foster future studies on cancer progression and prognosis as well as toxicities during treatment which may impact survivorship and late-effects. Eligible patients must be between 3 years and 18 years of age at time of assent/consent, have newly diagnosed B- or T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia or mixed phenotype acute leukemia confirmed by pathology report, and must be receiving treatment at one of the participating centers. Patients receiving hematopoietic cell transplant will be excluded. Institutions were selected to ensure representation of several global health indicators related to nutritional status and wealth classification according to the World Bank. Data related to demographic variables (socioeconomic status, food security), lifestyle habits (diet, physical activity), nutritional anthropometrics (height, weight and arm anthropometry), and nutritional biological indices (stool and blood) will be collected at designated timepoints throughout treatment and one year after the end of treatment.

Using the EHR to Advance Genomic Medicine Across a Diverse Health System

Given the expansion of indications for genetic testing and our understanding of conditions for which the results change medical management, it is imperative to consider novel ways to deliver care beyond the traditional genetic counseling visit, which are both amenable to large-scale implementation and sustainable. The investigators propose an entirely new approach for the implementation of genomic medicine, supported by the leadership of Penn Medicine, investigating the use of non-geneticist clinician and patient nudges in the delivery of genomic medicine through a pragmatic randomized clinical trial, addressing NHGRI priorities. Our application is highly conceptually and technically innovative, building upon expertise and infrastructure already in place. Innovative qualities of our proposal include: 1) Cutting edge EHR infrastructure already built to support genomic medicine (e.g., partnering with multiple commercial genetic testing laboratories for direct test ordering and results reporting in the EHR); 2) Automated EHR-based direct ordering or referring by specialist clinicians (i.e., use of replicable modules that enable specialist clinicians to order genetic testing through Epic Smartsets, including all needed components, such as populated gene lists, smartphrases, genetic testing, informational websites and acknowledgement e-forms for patient signature); 3) EHR algorithms for accurate patient identification (i.e., electronic phenotype algorithms to identify eligible patients, none of which currently have phenotype algorithms present in PheKB; 4) Behavioral economics-informed implementation science methods: This trial will be the first to evaluate implementation strategies informed by behavioral economics, directed at clinicians and/or patients, for increasing the use of genetic testing; further it will be the first study in this area to test two forms of defaults as a potential local adaptation to facilitate implementation (ordering vs. referring); and 5) Dissemination: In addition to standard dissemination modalities,PheKB95, GitHub and Epic Community Library, the investigators propose to disseminate via AnVIL (NHGRI's Genomic Data Science Analysis, Visualization, and Informatics Lab-Space). Our results will represent an entirely new paradigm for the provision of genomic medicine for patients in whom the results of genetic testing change medical management.

Pharmacogenomic Contributions to Trihexyphenidyl Biotransformation and Response in Children With Dystonic Cerebral Palsy

This study looks at how a medicine called trihexyphenidyl works in children with dystonic cerebral palsy. The study aims to understand how trihexyphenidyl is broken down and used in the body of pediatric patients and whether this is impacted by a person's genetics. Information from this study will also be used to design future clinical trials.