Clinical Research Directory

Aromatherapy Essential Oils to Manage Anxiety and Nausea in Cancer Patients Receiving Infusion in the Ambulatory Setting

This clinical trial tests how well aromatherapy essential oils work to manage anxiety and nausea in cancer patients receiving infusions in the ambulatory setting. Current drugs that are given for nausea may cause constipation and fatigue. Therefore, there is interest in exploring complementary therapies, like aromatherapy, that do not carry the same side effects. Using aromatherapy essential oils such as ginger, peppermint, and lavender, may help reduce nausea and anxiety. Some studies have shown significant reductions in nausea and anxiety among cancer patients using these oils, while other studies have had mixed results. Ginger and peppermint oils, in particular, have been associated with helping reduce nausea during chemotherapy, while lavender has shown potential benefits for anxiety. Jojoba oil will be used as a placebo for this research study. Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of a jojoba plant, which is a green shrub that is found in the southwestern United States). Jojoba oil is an oil which has no color or smell. Aromatherapy essential oils used through a personal inhalation device during chemotherapy may better manage anxiety and nausea in cancer patients receiving infusions in the ambulatory setting.

Cannabis Gummy for the Improvement of Sleep and Quality of Life in Patients With Cancer, Pillow Trial

This clinical trial tests how well a cannabis gummy works in improving sleep and quality of life in patients with cancer. Many people with cancer (about 60%) have trouble sleeping, which can lower their quality of life. Sleep disturbance is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, waking up earlier than desired and being unable to fall back to sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. In adults with cancer, sleep disturbance may be caused by multiple, often co-occurring factors including diagnosis, type, and stage of cancer, treatment regimen, physical complaints (e.g., pain), and psychological distress. Some patients use cannabis to help with sleep, but its effects are not well understood. Cannabis, which some people call marijuana, refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the cannabis sativa L plant. The plant contains at least 125 different cannabinoids, including delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Delta-9 THC is the most abundant form of THC in the cannabis plant. It has intoxicating effects, meaning it can temporarily alter a person's mood, thoughts, and perceptions (a "high"). This study will help researchers learn how cannabis affects sleep and quality of life compared to usual care.

Collection and Storage of Tissue and Blood Samples From Patients With Cancer

This study collects and stores tissue and blood samples from patients with cancer. Collecting and storing samples of tissue and blood from patients with cancer to study in the laboratory may help scientists create new and better models to learn about cancer and to test new cancer drugs.

Selpercatinib for the Treatment of Advanced Solid Tumors, Lymphomas, or Histiocytic Disorders With Activating RET Gene Alterations, a Pediatric MATCH Treatment Trial

This phase II pediatric MATCH treatment trial studies how well selpercatinib works in treating patients with solid tumors that may have spread from where they first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced), lymphomas, or histiocytic disorders that have activating RET gene alterations. Selpercatinib may block the growth of cancer cells that have specific genetic changes in an important signaling pathway (called the RET pathway) and may reduce tumor size.

NCI COVID-19 in Cancer Patients, NCCAPS Study

This study collects blood samples, medical information, and medical images from patients who are being treated for cancer and have a positive test for SARS CoV-2, the new coronavirus that causes the disease called COVID-19. Collecting blood samples, medical information, and medical images may help researchers determine how COVID-19 affects the outcomes of patients undergoing cancer treatment and how having cancer affects COVID-19.

Understanding Needs of Older Patients Prior to Starting Cancer Treatment

A geriatric assessment (GA) is a structured approach to identifying and addressing the strengths and vulnerabilities of older adults with cancer. They can improve the quality of cancer care for older adults and lower side effects. It is recommended a GA be administered prior to the start of non-hormonal systemic therapy for all older adults. Despite these guidelines, only a small percentage of practices report administering them. The practical geriatric assessment (PGA) was developed to help oncology practices perform GAs. It aims to provide a brief way to evaluate older patients' physical health along with other important things like support network and impact to the patient's daily life. Typically, clinics do not receive extra training on delivering the PGA. Providing training and support for staff at cancer clinics may help deliver the enhanced PGA to older adult cancer patients who are starting a new-hormonal systemic therapy. This clinical trial looks at whether providing training and support for staff at cancer clinics can help them deliver patient check-ups (e.g., PGA) specifically designed for adults \>= 65 years old (older adults) starting a new non-hormonal systemic cancer therapy. The usual approach clinics use when starting these cancer therapy courses with an older adult may vary considerably.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial tests how well a type of non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) works to treat chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer survivors. CIPN is numbness, tingling, pain, and movement problems that can develop after chemotherapy as a result of changes to the nerves. A non-invasive form of brain stimulation called tDCS, applied to the area of the brain involved in sensation and movement, can temporarily improve the ability to detect vibration and temperature, as well as balance and walking, which may improve sensation and reduce pain in cancer survivors with CIPN.

Kinetic Analysis of Immune Cells in Blood and Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease-Affected Tissues After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

This study evaluates the factors that contribute to chronic graft-versus-host disease, which is a complication that can occur after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Investigating Memory and Physical Activity After Cancer Treatment in Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers

This study evaluates relationships among physical activity, thinking, and memory after cancer treatment in survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers.

Remdesivir for the Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Due to RSV in Immunocompromised Individuals

This phase II trial tests how well remdesivir works for treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection of the upper respiratory tract in patients receiving cellular or bispecific antibody therapy. Cellular or bispecific antibody therapies cause suppression of the immune system, making infections more frequent and reducing the body's ability to fight the infections. RSV infections are one of the most common respiratory infections in immunocompromised individuals and can cause significant pneumonia and even death. Remdesivir is in a class of medications called antivirals. It works by stopping viruses from spreading in the body.

Bupropion to Reduce Cancer Related Fatigue in Cancer Survivors

This phase III trial studies how well bupropion works in reducing cancer related fatigue in cancer survivors. Cancer and its treatment can cause fatigue. Bupropion is a drug that is used to treat depression, as well as to help people quit smoking. It belongs to the family of drugs called antidepressants and works by increasing certain types of activity in the brain. Bupropion may reduce cancer-related fatigue by causing changes in inflammation and stress hormones.

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.

Tele-HOPE: A Telehealth Pharmacist Opioid Patient Education Pilot Study

This clinical trial will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a palliative care pharmacist-led group telehealth opioid education session for palliative care patients prescribed opioids for cancer-related pain. While opioids are commonly used in palliative care settings to manage cancer-related pain, their significant side effects, complicated administration requirements, and concerns about addiction can make it challenging for patients to use opioids safely and effectively. Some patients may even avoid opioids altogether because of these concerns, even when opioids are clinically indicated, leading to poor symptom control. To address these challenges, a telehealth education session was developed as a clinical initiative by a palliative care pharmacist, addressing safe and effective opioid management. Educational priorities and session content were informed by a survey of interdisciplinary palliative care clinicians that identified barriers and facilitators to opioid education and key patient educational needs. Patients scheduled to attend a pharmacist-led group telehealth opioid education session who enroll in the study will complete a survey before the session and another survey afterward. This study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of delivering the intervention, as well as its preliminary effects on opioid knowledge and self-efficacy. If feasible and acceptable, this pharmacist-led telehealth education model could represent a scalable strategy to improve opioid management for patients with cancer-related pain.

Siltuximab for the Prevention of Severe Immune-Related Adverse Events During Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Rechallenge in Patients With Advanced Cancer, CIRES Trial

This phase II trial studies how well giving siltuximab during the reintroduction (rechallenge) of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy works in preventing severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in patients with cancer that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced). Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD1 and anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. The use of ICI therapy may lead to severe irAEs that can affect essentially any organ system in the body. Severe irAEs may lead to the early stopping of life saving treatment. Most patients that stop ICI therapy early will eventually progress and require additional treatment. Sometimes the decision is made to rechallenge with ICI therapy. Many patients who developed severe irAEs during initial ICI therapy are at risk for developing severe irAEs again during the rechallenge. Siltuximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to receptors for a protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6). This may help lower the body's immune response and reduce inflammation. Giving siltuximab during ICI rechallenge may help prevent severe irAEs in patients with advanced cancer.

Evaluation of Broccoli Seed and Sprout Extract for Detoxification of Carcinogens in Firefighters

This phase II randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluates whether daily supplementation with broccoli seed and sprout extract (BSSE), also known as Avmacol Extra Strength (ES), enhances the body's natural ability to detoxify carcinogens commonly encountered by firefighters. Firefighters are routinely exposed to harmful chemicals such as benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through smoke inhalation, structural fires, and fuel leak incidents exposures that contribute to their elevated cancer risk. BSSE contains bioactive compounds known to activate phase II detoxification enzymes that help eliminate reactive toxins from the body. A single dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) is administered at both baseline and end-of-intervention as a metabolic probe to assess changes in detoxification enzyme activity. Acetaminophen is metabolized through the same pathways as benzene and PAHs, making it a useful surrogate for evaluating the effect of BSSE on the detoxification of fire-related toxicants. Participants were originally randomized into one of total four study groups. Groups I and II, now closed to accrual, were designed to assess BSSE effects before and after controlled flashover fire training exercises. These arms were discontinued after it was determined that training fires produced insufficient real-world toxicant exposure to evaluate the intervention's impact. Groups III and IV were subsequently open and represent the active phase of the study. Group III participants receive BSSE daily for 12 weeks, while Group IV participants receive a matched placebo. Both groups include acetaminophen challenge at baseline and end-of-intervention, with biospecimen collection to evaluate detoxification capacity and explore genetic and epigenetic modifiers of response. Although the protocol includes four study groups, only two are currently active. Groups I and II remain part of the study record but are closed and will not contribute to the primary outcome analyses.

Biomarker-Guided Ruxolitinib for the Prevention of Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

This phase I trial studies how well biomarker-guided ruxolitinib works for the prevention of chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) in patients that have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Allogeneic HCT is the most effective therapy for patients with high-risk blood and bone marrow malignancies. GVHD is a disease caused when cells from a donated stem cell graft attack the normal tissue of the transplant patient. Symptoms include jaundice, skin rash or blisters, a dry mouth, or dry eyes. In chronic GVHD (cGVHD), symptoms occur more than three months after transplantation. Despite significant advances in how allogeneic HCTs are conducted, cGHVD remains a major limitation to the long-term success of the transplant and can impact patients' quality of life post-transplant. Checking GVHD biomarkers in patients' blood after allogeneic HCT may help doctors predict how likely the patient is to develop cGVHD. This information can be used to help guide patients with high levels to receive cGVHD preventative therapy with ruxolitinib. Ruxolitinib works by blocking some of the enzymes that are needed for the development of cGVHD, which may be an effective way to prevent cGVHD in patients with high levels of GVHD biomarkers.

Self-Amplifying mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (LUNAR-COV19) Versus Comirnaty Vaccine in Adult Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Patients

This phase IIb trial compares the effect of LUNAR-COV19 vaccine to Comirnaty vaccine in treating adult patients who have received a hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Guidelines recommend repeating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination of 3 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines followed by a fourth booster 3-6 months after treatment. However, vaccination is less effective in HCT patients compared to healthy people due to impaired immune responses. LUNAR-COV19, a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine, may help the body's own immune system recognize the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and fight the virus by using a special mRNA that copies itself for a stronger response. Vaccines made from mRNA with SARS-CoV-2, such as Comirnaty, may help the body build an effective immune response. This may provide active protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. LUNAR-COV19 may be safe and tolerable and may generate a better and more durable immune response than the Comirnaty vaccine in adult patients who have received a HCT.

A Spiritual Health Intervention (PATH) for Improving Spiritual, Religious and Emotional Distress in Cancer Patients

This clinical trial tests the feasibility and effectiveness of a spiritual health intervention (Personal Archetypes Toward Healing Trial \[PATH\]) for improving spiritual, religious and existential distress in patients with cancer. Many patients with cancer find their diagnosis to elicit challenges to their sense of connection, meaning, and purpose. This distress can significantly impact their quality of life. However, spiritual care interventions are often overlooked. PATH builds on multiple theories and therapeutic practices such as role-playing, archetype psychology, cognitive theory, emotion regulation therapy, and dignity therapy. PATH sessions cover topics such as individuation, intrapersonal meaning and worth, intrapersonal distress and faith, interpersonal distress and faith, and transpersonal distress and faith. The PATH intervention may help cancer patients shift their perspectives and access new insights for working through their spiritual, religious and existential distress.

Different Types of Massage Therapy to Reduce Anxiety During Chemotherapy Infusion in Patients With Cancer

This clinical trial tests how well different types of massage therapy works to reduce anxiety during chemotherapy infusions in patients with cancer. Many cancer patients experience moderate to severe anxiety and anxiety can worsen by the anticipation of medical procedures that patients have to receive, particularly chemotherapy. Massage therapy, as a complementary treatment, has shown promise in lessening both physical and psychological symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments. Research has also shown the benefits of massage therapy in reducing pain, stress, anxiety, nausea (upset stomach), fatigue (tiredness), and depression in cancer patients. Different types of massage therapy may potentially reduce some cancer patients' symptoms, enhance their treatment, and reduce treatment related side effects.

Comparing Telephone Symptom Monitoring Interventions for Managing Symptoms and Psychological Distress During Oral Anti-Cancer Treatment

In this clinical trial, symptom monitoring (interactive voice response \[IVR\] is compared to automated telephone symptom management \[ATSM\] and telephone interpersonal counseling \[TIPC\]) for reducing symptom burden and psychological distress (depressive and anxiety symptoms) among people receiving oral anti-cancer treatment. Symptoms are the number one driver of treatment interruptions and unscheduled health services use. To reduce the risk of these events, symptom monitoring and management are necessary. However, these services are not implemented routinely, especially in the community oncology settings. Further, depressive and anxiety symptoms are a key barrier to enacting symptom self-management strategies. IVR is a form of symptom monitoring where patients, when called, enter their symptom ratings over the phone. Their symptom summary is sent to their provider, and patients may be advised to reach out to their oncology provider, based on their symptoms. The ATSM intervention combines IVR assessments with a Symptom Management and Survivorship educational handbook with self-management strategies. Patients receiving ATSM enter their symptom ratings over the phone and have their symptoms reported to their provider, but patients are also directed to the handbook for strategies to manage elevated symptoms. Patients receiving ATSM who report being anxious, discouraged, or sad will also receive TIPC, which targets psychological distress and its connection to social support and interpersonal communication. Information gathered from this study may help researchers learn more about the best ways to manage patient symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

Observational Study of Sex Differences in Symptoms During Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment for People With Cancer

This study aims to learn more about symptoms that patients experience while receiving immunotherapy for cancer.

Community Enhanced Virtual Informed Consent

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine perceptions of virtual human communicators and cancer research recruitment messages. This study will also examine how different informed consent approaches influence decisions to participate in research.

Improving Adolescent and Young Adult Self-Reported Data in ECOG-ACRIN Trials

This clinical trial gathers information about adolescents and young adults (AYA) and patient reported outcomes data in Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)-American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) trials to improve the collection of AYA patient reported outcomes. This study may help doctors understand the needs of adolescent and young adult cancer patients.

Axatilimab Plus Standard of Care Therapy for the Prevention of Graft Versus Host Disease Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With Hematologic Cancer, ABRAXAS Trial

This phase II trial studies how well adding axatilimab to standard of care (SOC) therapy works in preventing graft versus host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with hematologic cancer. Allogeneic HCT is a procedure in which a person receives blood-forming stem cells (cells from which all blood cells develop) from a genetically similar, but not identical, donor. This is often a sister or brother, but could be an unrelated donor. Sometimes the transplanted cells from a donor can attack the body's normal cells, causing GVHD. Symptoms of GVHD can include yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes, skin rash or blisters, dry mouth, or dry eyes. Typically, drugs such as cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil are given after the transplant to help stop GVHD from happening, but these current therapies may negatively affect patient quality of life and newer treatment strategies are needed. Axatilimab is a monoclonal antibody. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein that can bind to certain targets in the body, such as molecules that cause the body to make an immune response (antigens), which may prevent GVHD from developing. Adding axatilimab to SOC therapy may be more effective in preventing GVHD following allogeneic HCT in patients with hematologic cancer.