Clinical Research Directory

Manual Therapy in Treating Fibrosis-Related Late Effect Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

This trial studies how well manual therapy works in treating fibrosis-related late effect dysphagia in head and neck cancer survivors. Manual therapy is the use of massage and stretching exercises to increase blood flow and muscle movement in the neck, throat, jaw, and mouth, which may help to improve swallowing ability and range of motion in participants who have had treatment for head and neck cancer.

Predicting Radiological Extranodal Extension in Oropharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Using AI

Development and validation of a model that predicts rENE from radiological imaging using annotated / labeled scans by means of deep learning

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Estimating Body Composition in Patients With Stage I-IV Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy

Bioelectrical impedance analysis measures body mass (the amount of muscle and fat in the body) and the level of hydration to help researchers identify patients who are losing muscle mass during radiation therapy. This information may help researchers make decisions about nutritional supplementation and the placement of feeding tubes in patients receiving radiation therapy.

Interdisciplinary Interventions to Address Pain Management Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients

This phase II trial compares different pain management interventions (standard of care \[SOC\], neurofeedback \[NFB\] training, and compassionate high alert team \[CHAT\]) in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer who are at risk of developing non-medical opioid use (NMOU). The current standard treatment includes regular clinic visits and supportive care and counseling (including topics like patient-doctor communication, cancer care goals, financial issues counseling, and other topics). NFB training is a type of therapy that uses an electroencephalograph (EEG) and a computer software program to measure brain wave activity. The goal of NFB is to help teach patients with pain how to change their own brain waves to lower their feelings of pain and help improve their quality of life. CHAT is a supportive care intervention that includes symptom and pain management, counseling (about pain, symptoms, opioid use and safety, stress, and quality of life), and support for patients and their family members. NFB and CHAT may help to manage pain and lower patient use of opioids.

Neurofeedback in Decreasing Acute Radiotherapy-Induced Pain in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

This pilot trial studies how well neurofeedback training works in decreasing acute radiotherapy-induced pain in patients with head and neck cancer. Neurofeedback training is a type of therapy that uses electroencephalograph and a computer software program to measure brain wave activity. Neurofeedback training may help teach patients ways to modify their own brain waves to decrease the perception of pain and improve quality of life.

Medical Data Collection of Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Treated With Proton Therapy

This trial collects medical information from patients with head and neck cancer that have received or are scheduled to receive proton therapy. Collecting and analyzing medical information from patients may provide information on the outcomes and treatment related side effects of proton therapy for head and neck cancer and help doctors improve therapy for future patients with head and neck cancer.

Customized 3D Printed Oral Stents During Head and Neck Radiotherapy

This clinical trial studies the effect of customized 3 dimensional (3D) printed oral tents on patients with head and neck cancer who are receiving radiotherapy. Oral stents are made from the impression of patients' mouth and cover patients' teeth and gums during radiation therapy. A customized, 3D-printed oral stent may help to reduce mouth blisters and/or sores that may develop in patients while receiving head and neck radiation therapy.

Intraoperative Methadone for the Management of Postoperative Pain in Patients With Head and Neck Cancers

This phase IV trial compares how well methadone plus standard fentanyl given during surgery (intraoperative) works compared to intraoperative standard fentanyl alone in managing pain after surgery (postoperative) among patients with head and neck cancers. For most head and neck cancers, the standard treatment is surgery to remove the cancer followed by surgical reconstruction, which often requires tissue harvested from another part of the body-known as a "free flap tissue transfer". These procedures are highly complex, demand a two-surgeon team, and often take many hours to complete. The combination of multiple operative sites and extent of the surgery contributes to significant postoperative pain. Methadone is not yet used in the head and neck population but has been utilized in other subspecialties like spine and cardiac surgery. The benefits of methadone may include improved pain control in the first 72 hours postoperatively requiring less opioids postoperatively and improvement in overall pain scores. Giving intraoperative methadone plus standard fentanyl may work better than fentanyl alone in managing postoperative pain among patients with head and neck cancers.

Collecting Blood Samples From Patients With and Without Cancer to Evaluate Tests for Early Cancer Detection

This study collects blood and tissue samples from patients with cancer and without cancer to evaluate tests for early cancer detection. Collecting and storing samples of blood and tissue from patients with and without cancer to study in the laboratory may help researchers develop tests for the early detection of cancers.

Targeted Therapy Directed by Genetic Testing in Treating Patients With Advanced Refractory Solid Tumors, Lymphomas, or Multiple Myeloma (The MATCH Screening Trial)

This phase II MATCH screening and multi-sub-trial studies how well treatment that is directed by genetic testing works in patients with solid tumors, lymphomas, or multiple myelomas that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) and does not respond to treatment (refractory). Patients must have progressed following at least one line of standard treatment or for which no agreed upon treatment approach exists. Genetic tests look at the unique genetic material (genes) of patients' tumor cells. Patients with genetic abnormalities (such as mutations, amplifications, or translocations) may benefit more from treatment which targets their tumor's particular genetic abnormality. Identifying these genetic abnormalities first may help doctors plan better treatment for patients with solid tumors, lymphomas, or multiple myeloma.

The Cancer Connected Access and Remote Expertise Beyond Walls Program to Provide In-Home Cancer Treatment and Improve Treatment Satisfaction in Cancer Patients Living in the Florida Panhandle and Surrounding Areas

This phase II trial studies whether providing cancer treatment in the home is preferred over the traditional clinic setting and if it improves treatment satisfaction in cancer patients living in the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas. Typically, drug-related cancer care is provided at a medical center which causes patients to have to spend considerable time away from their family, friends, and familiar surroundings. This may add to the physical, emotional, social, and financial burden for patients and their families during this difficult time in their lives. The Cancer Connected Access and Remote Expertise (CARE) Beyond Walls (CCBW) program uses a specialized care team trained to provide cancer treatment in the patient's home setting. It is designed to support remote connection between the home health team and providers and Mayo clinic. This may be preferred over the traditional clinic setting which may improve treatment satisfaction in cancer patients living in the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas.

Dyadic Yoga Intervention for the Improvement of Healthcare Utilization and Quality of Life in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Chemoradiation and Their Caregivers

This study evaluates if partner-based (dyadic) yoga programs may improve the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiation and their caregivers, and if it is a cost-effective option. Yoga programs may decrease how often patients come to the hospital during and after treatment with chemoradiation, and improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

A New Way to Share Radiation Therapy Plans Between Doctors, CORRECT Trial

This clinical trial tests a new way to share radiation therapy plans using the Collaborative Oncology between Radiologists and Radiation oncologists for the Evaluation of Contoured Targets (CORRECT) workflow to improve communication and collaboration between radiation oncologists (ROs) and radiologists when determining cancer targets for radiation treatment. Systemic barriers limit critical communication between radiation oncologists and radiologists and can lead to both under and overdosing of radiation therapy (RT) tumor targets and failures to properly interpret post-treatment imaging. The limited formal diagnostic radiology training of many providers can make differentiating normal from disease imaging findings during target determination difficult, especially in complex disease sites like the lung, head, and neck. Inaccurate target determination may result in cancer return, excess toxicity, or both. Likewise, radiologists who cannot access prior RT plans may mistake expected RT changes for recurrent cancer or overlook true progression. The CORRECT workflow was developed by ROs and radiologists to address RO-radiology communication barriers by facilitating sharing of comprehensive RT target contours during RT planning. The CORRECT workflow begins with the normal process of RO target contouring. Computed tomography (CT) images are then fused with RT targets and pushed to a pre-designated Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) software folder accessible by the radiology department. The radiologist can then review the fused images at their chosen time and annotate images to indicate potential deviations (e.g., not avoiding normal tissue or not including all tumor). The RO reviews the annotated images and decides if any changes to treatment targets are needed for the final treatment plan. Through this independent, asynchronous review of high-quality images, CORRECT overcomes many of the limitations of existing communication methods between RO-radiologist, fostering a more collaborative, efficient, and precise approach to cancer treatment planning.

Therapeutic Vaccine in Patients With Human Papillomavirus HPV-positive Oropharyngeal Cancer

This study is a multicentric double-blind placebo-controlled dose escalation trial of a CD40HVac vaccine (humanized anti-CD40 mAb fused to HPV16 E6/E7 oncoproteins) adjuvanted with poly-ICLC (Hiltonol) in patients with HPV16 oropharyngeal carcinoma with no evidence of residual or recurrent disease after surgery and/or radiochemotherapy. The primary objective is to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of a poly-ICLC(Hiltonol)-adjuvanted CD40HVac vaccine according to the safety and the capacity to elicit immune responses of different doses Two dose levels of poly-ICLC-adjuvanted CD40.HVac will be explored * 1st dose level: CD40.HVac 1.0 mg, with 1.0 mg poly-ICLC * 2nd dose level: CD40.HVac 3.0 mg, with 1.0 mg poly-ICLC The safety data will be reviewed by an IDSMB that will give recommendations.

Clinical Data Collection in Studying Clinical Factors Associated With Post-Surgery Chronic Opioid Use in Patients With Head and Neck Cancers

This trial studies the risk of developing disorders associated with chronic opioid use post-surgery in patients with head and neck cancers. Clinical data collection may help doctors to learn how often and how likely disorders associated with the use of opioid pain medication may occur in patients with head and neck cancer who are having surgery as part of their treatment plan.

Experimental PET Imaging Scans Before Cancer Surgery to Study the Amount of PET Tracer Accumulated in Normal and Cancer Tissues

This phase I trial studies a new imaging technique called FAPi PET/CT to determine where and to which degree the FAPI tracer (68Ga-FAPi-46) accumulate in normal and cancer tissues in patients with non-prostate cancer. The research team also want to know whether what they see on PET/CT images represents the tumor tissue being excised from the patient's body. The research team is also interested to investigate another new imaging technique called PSMA PET/CT. Participants will be invited to undergo another PET/CT scan, with the PSMA tracer (68Ga-PSMA-11). This is not required but just an option for volunteer patients. Patients who have not received an 18F-FDG PET/CT within one month of enrollment will also undergo an FDG PET/CT scan. The PET/CT scanner combines the PET and the CT scanners into a single device. This device combines the anatomic (body structure) information provided by the CT scan with the metabolic information obtained from the PET scan. PET is an established imaging technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactivity attached to very minimal amounts of, in the case of this research, 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 68Ga-FAPi, and 18F-FDG (if applicable). Because some cancers take up 68Ga-PSMA-11 and/or 68Ga-FAPi it can be seen with PET. CT utilizes x-rays that traverse the body from the outside. CT images provide an exact outline of organs where it occurs in patient's body. FAP stands for Fibroblast Activation Protein. FAP is produced by cells that surround tumors. The function of FAP is not well understood but imaging studies have shown that FAP can be detected with FAPI PET/CT. Imaging FAP with FAPI PET/CT may in the future provide additional information about various cancers. PSMA stands for Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen. This name is incorrect as PSMA is also found in many other cancers. The function of PSMA is not well understood but imaging studies have shown that PSMA can be detected with PET in many non-prostate cancers. Imaging FAP with PET/CT may in the future provide additional information about various cancers.

A Study of Decreasing Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy in People With Head and Neck Cancer

The purpose of this study is to test the treatment approach of de-escalated radiation and chemotherapy followed by a planned neck dissection surgery in people with head and neck cancer. The study will look at how effective the treatment approach is against participants' cancer.

Heavy Strength Training in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Despite improvements in treatments, head and neck cancer survivors (HNCS) still endure acute and chronic side effects such as loss of muscular strength, limitations in physical functioning, fatigue, and swallowing difficulties that impact quality of life (QoL) and limit return to work. Light-to-moderate intensity strength training (LMST) has been shown to improve some side effects. Heavy lifting strength training (HLST) may further improve outcomes in some populations, however, only one small pilot study has focused on HNCS. The LIFTING 2 trial will be the first to examine the feasibility and effects of a HLST program versus no exercise in HNCS.

Antibiotic Treatment Effects on Intratumoral Bacteria Modulation in Surgical Patients With Oral Cancer

The goal of this phase II single arm clinical study is to evaluate the effect of antibiotics (metronidazole) and oral chlorhexidine (CHX) in reducing the bacteria load within tumors of patients undergoing surgery for oral cancer.

Intensity Modulated Proton or X-Ray Therapy After Surgery for Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, the HEADLIGHT Study

This clinical trial studies how well intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) or intensity modulated X-ray (radiation) therapy (IMRT) works after surgery in treating patients with head and neck cancer. IMPT is a type of radiation therapy that allows for the most accurate application of proton radiation to the tumor and has the potential to reduce treatment-related side effects. IMRT is a type of 3-dimensional radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to show the size and shape of the tumor. Thin beams of x-ray radiation of different intensities are aimed at the tumor from many angles. This type of radiation therapy reduces the damage to healthy tissue near the tumor. IMPT may work as well as IMRT after surgery in treating patients with head and neck cancer.

Determining the Biodistribution of an Imaging Tracer (68Ga-FAPi-46) in Patients With Solid Tumors or Hematologic Cancers

This phase I trial is evaluating a new imaging tracer (68Ga-FAPi-46) with positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) to determine where and to which degree the tracer (68Ga-FAPi-46) accumulates in normal and cancer tissues (the biodistribution) in patients with solid tumors or hematologic (blood) cancers. PET is an established imaging technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactivity attached to very minimal amounts of tracer, in the case of this research, 68Ga-FAPi-46. Because some cancers take up 68Ga-FAPi-46, it can be seen with PET. CT utilizes x-rays that traverse the body from the outside. CT images provide an exact outline of organs and potential inflammatory tissue where it occurs in a patient's body. Combining a PET scan with a CT scan can help make the image easier to interpret. PET/CT scans are hybrid scanners that combine both modalities into a single scan during the same examination.

High Dose Steroid Therapy (Prednisone or Methylprednisolone) for the Improvement of Symptoms of Late Radiation-Associated Lower Cranial Neuropathy in Oropharyngeal Cancer Survivors

This phase I/II trial studies the side effect and best dose of steroid therapy (prednisone or methylprednisolone) in improving symptoms of late radiation-associated lower cranial neuropathy in oropharyngeal cancer survivors. Steroid therapy with prednisone or methylprednisolone may help to improve symptoms associated with late radiation-associated lower cranial neuropathy.

Data Collection for the Assessment of Acute and Late Normal Tissue in Patients Treated With Proton Therapy

This study collects information on the side effects of proton therapy and detailed information on the proton therapy treatment plan itself. This may help researchers develop methods to predict the risk of side effects for future patients and learn the long-term benefit of proton therapy.

A Financial Intervention (Financial Compass) to Identify and Address Financial Hardship Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients, Financial Compass Trial

This clinical trial compares the effect a financial intervention, called Financial Compass, to usual care in identifying and addressing financial hardship in patients with head and neck cancer. Previous research has shown that head and neck cancer patients experiencing financial hardship have decreased overall and cancer specific survival. Using a financial intervention, Financial Compass, may be more effective than usual care in identifying and addressing financial hardship in patients with head and neck cancer.