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.

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.

A Mobile Application, Oncpatient, to Assist Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy

This clinical trial determines how well the oncpatient mobile application work in assisting patients undergoing radiation treatment. Radiation therapy can be complex. The technology, daily treatments, and possible side effects can be confusing to prevent and manage. Traditional radiation patient education includes a large amount of information, including details of treatment logistics, side effect prevention, and management. However, this information is not always readily accessible or memorable through the long course of therapy, and critical details can be missed. Oncpatient is a mobile application intended to be a more convenient and accessible form of patient education and guidance that is readily available to help patients and their caretakers navigate through radiation treatment.

Donor Cytomegalovirus-Specific Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes in Treating Patients With a Persistent Cytomegalovirus Infection

This phase II trial studies how well donor cytomegalovirus-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes work in treating patients with a cytomegalovirus infection that has come back or has not gotten better despite standard therapy. White blood cells from donors who have been exposed to cytomegalovirus may be effective in treating patients with a cytomegalovirus infection.

Addition of Cord Blood Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Ruxolitinib for the Treatment of Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft Versus Host Disease

This early phase I trial is to find out the effect of adding cord blood tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (cb-MSCs) to ruxolitinib in treating patients with acute graft versus host disease that does not respond to steroid therapy (steroid-refractory). Ruxolitinib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. cb-MSCs are a type of tissue helper cell that can be removed from donated umbilical cord blood tissue and grown into many different cell types that can be used to treat cancer and other disease, such as graft versus host disease. This trial aims to learn if adding cb-MSCs to ruxolitinib may help control steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease.

Alteplase Through an Indwelling Pleural Catheter for the Management of Symptomatic Septated Malignant Pleural Effusion

This study investigates whether alteplase can help to improve pleural fluid drainage and dyspnea (breathlessness) in patients with non-draining malignant pleural effusion. Alteplase helps dissolve blood clots and is used to treat heart attacks, strokes, and clots in the lungs. Alteplase may help to control symptoms of breathlessness.

Cardiovascular Reserve Evaluation in Survivors of Transplant, CREST Study

This study evaluates how well the heart, lungs, and muscles are working individually, and how these systems are working together in transplant survivors. Information collected in this study may help doctors to understand why hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors are at higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Expressive Writing for the Management of Stress in Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial evaluates the effect of expressive writing for the management of stress in cancer survivors. Cancer diagnosis and treatment are associated with increased stress in cancer survivors related to concerns about family, career, relationships, finances, side effects of treatment, and death. This stress can be further exacerbated by social upheavals such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For safety reasons, many patients are isolated with restricted access to in-person health care and reduced social interaction with family and friends. Together with the economic uncertainties that come with this pandemic, these factors are likely to increase cancer survivors' stress levels. Expressive writing may provide a medium through which cancer survivors confront stressors and find meaning in their experience. The goal of this trial is to learn more about the experiences of cancer survivors during stressful times.

Fentanyl Buccal Tablet or Morphine for Exertional Dyspnea in Cancer Patients

This phase II trial studies fentanyl buccal tablet or morphine to see how well it works compared to a placebo in controlling shortness of breath during or after physical activity in cancer patients. Fentanyl sublingual tablet and morphine are opioids normally used to control pain that may also help to prevent or control shortness of breath during or after physical activity in cancer patients.

Study Assessing the Feasibility, Safety and Efficacy of Genetically Engineered Glucocorticoid Receptor Knock Out Virus Specific CTL Lines for Viral Infections in Immunosuppressed Cancer Patients

This phase I trial tests the feasibility and safety of genetically modified cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in controlling infections caused by adenovirus (ADV), BK virus (BKV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), JC virus (JCV), or COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients with cancer. Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and therapeutic options for these infections are often complicated by associated toxicities. Genetically modified cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) are designed to kill a specific virus that can cause infections. Depending on which virus a patient is infected with (ADV, BKV, CMV, JCV, or COVID-19), the CTLs will be designed to specifically attack that virus. Giving genetically modified CTLs may help to control the infection.

Complications and Clinical Response in Cancer Patients Treated With Anti-VEGF-Related Therapies

This study collects information about complications and clinical response in cancer patients treated with anti-VEGF-related therapies. This study aims to observe side effects that may happen to patients with advanced cancer who are treated with anti-VEGF related therapy. This may help doctors learn if there are any relationships between these side effects and how the disease may respond to treatment.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Pulmonary Procedures

This study investigates the changes in practice by pulmonary procedural programs across the United States as they faced the coronavirus pandemic. Information gathered from this study may help guide pulmonary programs on a wider scale and improve their practice. The study may also help researchers understand where they should focus research efforts to better respond to a pandemic in the future.

Infliximab and Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Treating Patients With Steroid-Refractory Pneumonitis

This phase II trial studies how well infliximab and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy work in treating patients with pneumonitis that does not respond to steroid treatment. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies such as, infliximab, may induce changes in body's immune system and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy may improve pneumonitis. It is not yet known whether giving infliximab and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy will work better in treating patients with pneumonitis.

Busulfan, Fludarabine Phosphate, and Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide in Treating Patients With Blood Cancer Undergoing Donor Stem Cell Transplant

This phase II trial studies the side effect of busulfan, fludarabine phosphate, and post-transplant cyclophosphamide in treating patients with blood cancer undergoing donor stem cell transplant. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as busulfan, fludarabine phosphate and cyclophosphamide work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving chemotherapy such as busulfan and fludarabine phosphate before a donor stem cell transplant helps stop the growth of cells in the bone marrow, including normal blood-forming cells (stem cells) and cancer cells. Sometimes the transplanted cells from a donor can make an immune response against the body's normal cells (called graft-versus-host disease). Giving cyclophosphamide after the transplant may stop this from happening. Once the donated stem cells begin working, the patient's immune system may see the remaining cancer cells as not belonging in the patient's body and destroy them.

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.

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.

Social Relationships and Accelerated Aging in Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Survivors

This project aims to elucidate the important protective elements of social relationships and identify concrete, modifiable behavioral factors that contribute to biological and phenotypic aging in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors and can be used to develop biologically informed interventions to improve quality of life and prolong the healthspan of individuals with accelerated aging.

Weighted Blanket Use to Reduce Anxiety in Oncology Patients

This clinical trial compares the effect of using weighted blankets versus regular blankets during first time infusions (e.g. chemotherapy, targeted therapy etc.) to decrease adverse side effects such as anxiety and distress in cancer (oncology) patients. Feeling safe, comforted, and grounded in the world are some of the benefits noted by individuals who use weighted blankets. Deep touch pressure (DTP) has been found to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety and is defined as a sensation one feels when being hugged, squeezed, or held. DTP affects the nervous system by creating a calming effect which may lower stress and increase feelings of well-being. The use of weighted blankets may help to manage anxiety and distress during chemotherapy or immunotherapy infusions.

Donor Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Controlling Heart Failure in Patients With Cardiomyopathy Caused by Anthracyclines

This randomized pilot phase I trial studies the side effects of donor bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells in controlling heart failure in patients with cardiomyopathy caused by anthracyclines. Donor bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells may help to control symptoms of heart failure and improve heart function.

Testing an Immunotherapy Anti-cancer Drug, Nivolumab, for Advanced Cancers in Patients With Autoimmune Disorders, AIM-NIVO

This phase Ib trial studies the side effects of nivolumab and to see how well it works alone and in combination with other treatments, such as ipilimumab, cabozantinib, platinum containing therapy, and fluoropyrimidine, in treating patients with autoimmune disorders and cancer that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced), to other places in the body (metastatic) or cannot removed by surgery (unresectable). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab and ipilimumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Cabozantinib blocks certain proteins, which may help keep tumor cells from growing. It may also prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Cabozantinib is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a type of angiogenesis inhibitor. Chemotherapy drugs, such as platinum containing therapies and fluoropyrimidine, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving nivolumab alone and in combination with other treatments, including ipilimumab, cabozantinib, platinum containing therapy, or fluoropyrimidine, may be safe, tolerable, and/or effective in treating patients with autoimmune disorders and advanced, metastatic, or unresectable cancer.

Testing AZD1775 as a Potential Targeted Treatment in Cancers With BRCA Genetic Changes (MATCH-Subprotocol Z1I)

This phase II MATCH treatment trial identifiesay block the protein tyrosine kinase WEE1 the effects of AZD1775 in patients whose cancer has a genetic change called BRCA mutation. AZD1775 may block a protein called WEE1, which may be needed for growth of cancer cells that express BRCA mutations. Researchers hope to learn if AZD1775 will shrink this type of cancer or stop its growth.

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.

The Longitudinal Impact of Respiratory Viruses on Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (The RV-BOS Study)

This observational trial studies whether respiratory viruses are the cause of lung disease (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome \[BOS\] or graft-versus-host disease of the lung) and changes in lung function in patients who have received a donor stem cell transplant. Patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) are at higher risk of developing BOS. Studies have also shown that patients who had a respiratory viral illness early after their transplant are at higher risk of developing lung problems later on. Patients who are at risk and who already have BOS might benefit from being monitored more closely. Spirometry is a way of assessing a patient's lung function and is often used to diagnose lung disease. Spirometry measured at home with a simple handheld device may reduce the burden of performing pulmonary function testing at a facility and potentially help patients get their lung disease diagnosed and treated sooner.

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.