Clinical Research Directory

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.

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.

Cancer Genetic Testing in Ethnic Populations

This clinical trial examines the integration of cancer genetic testing in various ethnic populations. Studying individuals and families at risk of cancer may help identify cancer genes and other persons at risk. The information from this study may provide an opportunity for cancer risk stratification and individualized screening in these ethnic populations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dosing Study of Radiation Combined With Tislelizumab and Pamiparib in Patients With Previously Treated Head and Neck Cancer

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability and maximum tolerated dose of tislelizumab in combination with pamiparib plus chemoradiotherapy (chemotherapy and radiation) in individuals with recurrent head and neck cancer, which means that the person's cancer has come back after treatment. Participation in the study should last for about 15 months while participants receive tislelizumab and chemoradiotherapy with pamiparib. Afterwards, they will return to the clinic for follow up every 4 months for 2 years, every 6 month for the next 2 years, and then once a year for the rest of their life.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Personalized Ultrafractionated Stereotactic Adaptive Radiotherapy for Palliative Head and Neck Cancer Treatment (PULS-Pal)

This trial tests how well personalized ultra fractionated stereotactic adaptive radiotherapy (PULSAR) works together with HyperArc© radiation treatment planning technology for palliative (holistic pain and symptom control) tumor control in patients with primary or recurrent, localized or metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC) who are ineligible for or decline standard of care treatment. Researchers want to evaluate if using HyperArc and PULSAR together will deliver higher, possibly more effective doses, resulting in better tumor control with the same or fewer side effects than smaller routine doses. PULSAR is a radiation therapy regimen that uses a limited number of fairly large dose pulses while adjusting to specific anatomic and/or biological changes which may occur during the course of the treatment. HyperArc radiation treatment planning technology is a tool that allows for target dose escalation to tumor tissue while maintaining minimal head and neck organs-at-risk doses compared to other radiation treatment planning software. Undergoing PULSAR and HyperArc technology together may be a safe and effective palliative treatment option for patients with HNC.

An Integrative Multi-Omic Characterization of Head and Neck Carcinogenesis, Progression and Recurrence

This study evaluates the cell and biomarkers associated with the aggressive behavior of cancer.

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.

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.

Tongue-out Radiation Therapy (TORT) for the Mitigation of Radiotherapy-related Toxicities in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Our institution recently began incorporating a novel "tongue-out" radiation therapy (TORT) technique for patients with head and neck tumors at particular subsites (oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx). Protruding the tongue, i.e. "tongue-out" position, induces anatomical changes that facilitate decreased radiation dose to the oral tongue and PCM. The long-term goal is to determine whether TORT results in reduced severity and faster recovery from acute treatment-related toxicities (particularly mucositis, dysphagia, and dysgeusia) and improved long-term swallowing function and taste compared to traditional "tongue-in" RT for patients with HNC.

VMD-928 Monotherapy and in Combination With Pembrolizumab to Treat TrkA Overexpression Driven Solid Tumors or Lymphoma

This is a multicenter, open-label, Phase 1/2 study of orally administered VMD-928 monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in adult subjects with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma that have progressed or are non responsive to available therapies and for which no standard or available curative therapy exists

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.

Virtual Reality Interventions for the Improvement of Depression, Anxiety and Pain in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer and Caregivers

This clinical trial tests how well a three-dimensional (3D) mindfulness virtual reality (VR) versus (vs) two-dimensional (2D) non-immersive interventions works in improving depression, anxiety, pain, and/or stress in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiation or chemoradiation (C/RT), and their caregivers. HNC patients undergoing C/RT can experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, distress and pain that negatively impact their quality of life. VR allows for a realistic experience and works as an effective distraction tool from the state of pain or anxiety without use of drugs and with minimal associated risk to patients. VR has been shown to help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and pain in non-cancer patients, however there is limited evidence of how well VR use works in cancer patients, especially in patients undergoing C/RT for HNC. Caregivers of these patients also experience high levels of anxiety and distress. Using VR interventions may improve depression, anxiety, pain and/or stress in patients with HNC undergoing C/RT and their caregivers.

Oropharynx (OPX) Biomarker Trial

The purpose of this research is to identify a biomarker that is exists when human papillomavirus (HPV) mediated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is present and does not exist when HPV mediated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is absent.

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.

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.