Clinical Research Directory

Testing Trametinib and Dabrafenib as a Potential Targeted Treatment in Cancers With BRAF Genetic Changes (MATCH-Subprotocol H)

This phase II MATCH treatment trial identifies the effects of trametinib and dabrafenib in patients whose cancer has genetic changes called BRAF V600 mutations. Dabrafenib may stop the growth of cancer by blocking BRAF proteins which may be needed for cell growth. Trametinib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking MEK proteins which, in addition to BRAF proteins, may also be needed for cell growth. Researchers hope to learn if giving trametinib with dabrafenib will shrink this type of cancer or stop its growth.

Testing VS-6063 (Defactinib) as a Potential Targeted Treatment in Cancers With NF2 Genetic Changes (MATCH-Subprotocol U)

This phase II MATCH treatment trial identifies the effects of VS-6063 (defactinib) in patients whose cancer has a genetic change called NF2 mutation. Defactinib may block a protein called FAK, which may be needed for cancer cell growth when NF2 mutations are present. Researchers hope to learn if defactinib will shrink this type of cancer or stop its growth.

Testing Trametinib as a Potential Targeted Treatment in Cancers With GNAQ or GNA11 Genetic Changes (MATCH-Subprotocol S2)

This phase II MATCH treatment trial identifies the effects of trametinib in patients whose cancer has genetic changes called GNAQ or GNA11 mutations. Trametinib may block proteins called MEK1 and MEK2, which may be needed for cancer cell growth when GNAQ or GNA11 mutations are present. Researchers hope to learn if trametinib will shrink this type of cancer or stop its growth.

Testing AZD9291 as Potentially Targeted Treatment in Cancers With EGFR Genetic Changes (MATCH-Subprotocol E)

This phase II MATCH treatment trial evaluates the effectiveness of osimertinib (AZD9291) in treating patients with cancer that has certain genetic changes called EGFR mutations. Osimertinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of mutant forms of the EGFR protein, which play a key role in tumor cell growth. Osimertinib may cause tumor cell death and inhibit tumor growth in EGFR-overexpressing tumor cells, thereby stopping or slowing the spread of tumor cells.

Vertebroplasty With Radiation Therapy for Spine Metastatic Cancer Patients With Indeterminate Lesion (SINS Criteria)

This clinical trial studies the side effects of stereotactic radiosurgery and how well it works with or without vertebroplasty, separation surgery, or immunotherapy in patients with cancer that is radiation resistant and has spread to the spine (spinal metastases). Spinal metastases are rapidly progressive, have poor prognosis, are extremely difficult to treat, and can effect patient quality of life and overall health. Immunotherapy is a type of standard of care therapy to boost or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a type of external radiation therapy that uses special equipment to position the patient and precisely give a single large dose of radiation to a tumor. A vertebroplasty is a procedure used to repair a bone in the spine that has a break caused by cancer, osteoporosis, or trauma. The purpose of this trial is to test different combinations of immunotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and surgery to improve overall survival and quality of life in patients with spinal metastases.

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.

Testing Trametinib as a Potential Targeted Treatment in Cancers With NF1 Genetic Changes (MATCH-Subprotocol S1)

This phase II MATCH treatment trial identifies the effects of trametinib in patients whose cancer has a has a genetic change called NF1 mutation. Trametinib blocks proteins called MEK1 and MEK2, which may be needed for cancer cell growth when an NF1 mutation is present. Researchers hope to learn if trametinib will shrink this type of cancer or stop its growth.

Testing Palbociclib (PD-0332991) as a Potential Targeted Treatment in Cancers With CCND1, 2, 3 Amplification (MATCH-Subprotocol Z1B)

This phase II MATCH treatment trial identifies the effects of palbociclib in patients whose cancer has genetic changes called CCND1, 2, or 3 amplification. Palbociclib blocks proteins called CDK4 and CDK6, which may stop cancer cell growth when CCND1, 2, or 3 amplifications are present. Researchers hope to learn if palbociclib will shrink this type of cancer or stop its growth.

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.

CBM588 in Improving Clinical Outcomes in Patients Who Have Undergone Donor Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

This pilot trial studies the side effects and how well CBM588 works in improving clinical outcomes in patients who have undergone donor hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Gut microbiota (formerly called gut flora) is the name given to the microbe (bacteria) population living in the intestine. Gut bacteria help the body to digest certain foods that the stomach and small intestine have not been able to digest. CBM588, may increase gut bacteria biodiversity, prevent recurrent symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity (ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon).

Study of Cord Blood Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Moderate, Severe or Critical Pneumonia

This is a phase I trial followed by a phase II randomized trial. The purpose of phase I study is the feasibility of treating patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related to COVID-19 infection (COVID-19) with cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). The purpose of the phase II trial is to compare the effect of MSC with standard of care in these patients. MSCs are a type of stem cells that can be taken from umbilical cord blood and grown into many different cell types that can be used to treat cancer and other diseases. The MSCs being used for infusion in this trial are collected from healthy, unrelated donors and are stored and grown in a laboratory. Giving MSC infusions may help control the symptoms of COVID-19 related ARDS.

Collection of Immunology Specimens From Patients With Cancer or Blood Disorders, and Healthy Volunteers

This research trial collects and stores blood, tissue, and bone marrow specimens from patients with cancer or blood disorders, and healthy volunteers to study the immune system in a variety of different types of experiments, as well as associated clinical data as appropriate, focused on understanding mechanisms of immunotherapy.

Nivolumab in Treating Patients With Autoimmune Disorders and Advanced, Metastatic, or Unresectable Cancer

This phase Ib trial studies the side effects of nivolumab and to see how well it works in treating patients with autoimmune disorders and cancer that has spread to other places in the body or cannot removed by surgery. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread.

Role of Gut Microbiome in Cancer Therapy

This study examines how gut microbiome can affect cancer therapy in cancer patients undergoing cancer therapy or stem cell transplant. The human microbiome affects the way some cancer drugs are metabolized in the human body. Information from this study may help doctors improve the way cancer treatment is delivered, and increase its effectiveness and success.

Financial Navigation Program to Improve Understanding and Management of Financial Aspects of Cancer Care for Patients and Their Spouses

This clinical trial examines a financial navigation program in helping patients (and their spouses or partner caregivers, if participating) understand and better manage the financial aspects of cancer care. Cancer patients and their spouse/partner caregivers may be at high risk for financial problems because of the cost of cancer treatment. A financial navigator is a person or team who works with patients and their families to help them reduce stress or hardship related to the cost of cancer treatment. Financial navigators help patients understand their out-of-pocket expenses and what their health insurance plans may cover. Financial navigation may also help patients set up payment plans, find cost-saving methods for treatments, and improve access to healthcare services that the patient needs. Providing financial navigation to patients may help reduce financial worries and improve quality of life.

An Observational Research Study for Cancer Patients on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, DiRECT Study

This study compares treatment outcomes between patients of African American/Black (AA) ancestry and European American/White (EA) ancestry currently receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. Collecting samples of blood and saliva and health and treatment information from racially diverse patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment over time may help doctors better understand health care disparities among all cancer patients.

Impact of Project ECHO on Improving the Quality of Palliative Care in Patients With Advanced Cancer and Their Caregivers in Underserved Areas of Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, India, and Ethiopia

This trial investigates the experience and satisfaction of care in patients with cancer that has spread to other places in the body (advanced) and their caregivers living in underserved areas of Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, India and Ethiopia as part of Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO). Project ECHO is a model of medical education and care management that empowers clinicians to provide better care to more people where they live. Understanding the experiences and satisfaction of patients and caregivers may help improve healthcare workforce capacity and increase access to specialty care for the world's rural and underserved populations.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Improve the Health of Older Adults With Blood Cancers After Stem Cell Transplantation

This clinical trial studies the usefulness and process of a multidisciplinary intervention, where patients see multiple healthcare professionals, aimed at improving fitness and the ability to bounce back after transplant for older adults with blood cancers planned for stem cell transplantation. Using a multidisciplinary team approach may increase patients' ability to withstand the transplant by optimizing health to better prepare patients for the expected complications after stem cell transplantation.

Non-invasive Ventilation in Reducing the Need for Intubation in Patients With Cancer and Respiratory Failure

This randomized clinical trial studies how well non-invasive ventilation works in reducing the need for intubation, or placement of a tube in the windpipe, in patients with cancer and respiratory failure. Respiratory failure is a condition in which not enough oxygen passes from the lungs to the blood, and is a common cause of admission to the emergency room in patients with hematological and solid tumor patients. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is a method of delivering oxygen using a mask. It is not yet known whether NIPPV is better at improving the amount of oxygen in the blood, reducing shortness of breath, and the need for intubation than standard high flow oxygen (a tube with 2 prongs placed in the nostrils) in patients with cancer and respiratory failure.

Patient Reported Symptom Control With THC or CBD Use

This study compares patients' attitudes regarding marijuana products for medical use and other treatments for cancer-related pain. This study may help researchers gain better understanding of patient's perception on their use of marijuana products in treating cancer-related pain and other common cancer-related symptoms.

Olanzapine Versus Megestrol Acetate for the Treatment of Loss of Appetite Among Advanced Cancer Patients

This phase III trial compares the effects of olanzapine versus megestrol acetate in treating loss of appetite in patients with cancer that has spread to other places in the body (advanced). Olanzapine may stimulate and increase appetite. This study aims to find out if olanzapine is better than the usual approach (megestrol acetate) for stimulating appetite and preventing weight loss.

Molecular Testing for the MD Anderson Cancer Center Personalized Cancer Therapy Program

This study performs standardized testing of tumor tissue samples to learn which genes are mutated (have changed) in order to provide personalized cancer therapy options to cancer patients at MD Anderson. This may help doctors use testing information on tumors to identify clinical trials that may be most relevant to patients. Researchers may also use the information learned from this study to develop a database of the different kinds of mutations in cancer-related genes.

Mobile Health and Social Media Physical Activity Intervention Among Adolescent and Young Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors, the StepByStep Study

This phase III trial compares a multi-component mobile health and social media physical activity intervention versus wearing a physical activity tracker alone among adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors. Regular physical activity helps maintain healthy weight, energy levels, and health. Adolescents and young adults who complete treatment for cancer are often less active. They may gain weight and have more health problems compared to people the same age who have not had treatment for cancer. Comparing the 2 programs will help researchers learn how to increase physical activity levels over time and also how changes in physical activity levels affect health and quality of life over time.

A Study of the Drug Letermovir as Prevention of Cytomegalovirus Infection After Stem Cell Transplant in Pediatric Patients

This phase III single arm trial determines whether taking prophylactic letermovir will reduce the likelihood of infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) in children and adolescents after stem cell transplant compared to estimated rate of infection without prophylaxis. The treatments used to prepare for HCT reduce the body's natural infection-fighting ability and increase the likelihood of an infection with a virus called cytomegalovirus. "Prophylaxis" means to take a drug to prevent a disease or side effect. Letermovir is an antiviral drug that stops cytomegalovirus from multiplying and may prevent cytomegalovirus infection and make the disease less severe.