Clinical Research Directory

INTERogating Cancer for Etiology, Prevention and Therapy Navigation

This study is being done to identify markers and causes of cancer by analyzing patient's DNA (i.e., genetic material), RNA, plasma, tissues, or other samples that could be informative for patients with cancer. Cancer genetic testing is a series of tests that finds specific changes in cancer cells and normal cells in the body. Researchers may request to access these data as they explore how to better prevent, screen, or treat cancer. This study is also being done to create a biobank (library) of samples and information to learn more about treating cancer. Discovery of genetic variants in patients with cancer could result in opportunities for cancer prevention, earlier diagnosis or better therapy for cancer.

Communication Issues in Patient and Provider Discussions of Immunotherapy

This trials studies communication issues in patient and provider discussions about immunotherapy. The goal of this study is to describe where patients have heard about immunotherapy, what the participants understand about it, how physicians and other healthcare workers describe immunotherapy, and how educational videos may support patient knowledge about immunotherapy.

At-Home Cancer Directed Therapy Versus in Clinic for the Treatment of Patients With Advanced Cancer

This clinical trial studies the effect of cancer directed therapy given at-home versus in the clinic for patients with cancer that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced). Currently most drug-related cancer care is conducted in infusion centers or specialty hospitals, where patients spend many hours a day isolated from family, friends, and familiar surroundings. This separation adds to the physical, emotional, social, and financial burden for patients and their families. The logistics and costs of navigating cancer treatments have become a principal contributor to patients' reduced quality of life. It is therefore important to reduce the burden of cancer in the lives of patients and their caregivers, and a vital aspect of this involves moving beyond traditional hospital and clinic-based care and evaluate innovative care delivery models with virtual capabilities. Providing cancer treatment at-home, versus in the clinic, may help reduce psychological and financial distress and increase treatment compliance, especially for marginalized patients and communities.

Virtual Reality Intervention to Improve Psychological Symptom Burden for Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment

This clinical trial tests the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of a virtual reality intervention to improve psychological symptom burden for cancer patients undergoing treatment. Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that allows users to experience and interact with three-dimensional, computer-generated environments that simulate the real world or imagined settings. The VR intervention consists of a preloaded with immersive environments designed to engage the senses through simulated sights and sounds. This may include a walk through of a serene forest, exploring vibrant coral reefs, swimming with dolphins, or standing at the base of a majestic waterfall. These environments are created to provide a relaxing and engaging experience. Completing the VR intervention may be a safe and effective way to improve quality of life, reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and promote healthy living for cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Ivosidenib and Venetoclax With or Without Azacitidine in Treating Patients With IDH1 Mutated Hematologic Malignancies

This phase Ib/II trial studies the side effects and best dose of venetoclax and how well it works when given together with ivosidenib with or without azacitidine, in treating patients with IDH1-mutated hematologic malignancies. Venetoclax and ivosidenib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as azacitidine, 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 ivosidenib and venetoclax with azacitidine may work better in treating patients with hematologic malignancies compared to ivosidenib and venetoclax alone.

CMV-MVA Triplex Vaccination in HLA-Matched Related Stem Cell Donors for the Prevention of CMV Infection in Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

This phase II clinical trial tests how well the cytomegalovirus-modified vaccinica Ankara (CMV-MVA) Triplex vaccine given to human leukocyte antigens (HLA) matched related stem cell donors works to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The CMV-MVA Triplex vaccine works by causing an immune response in the donors body to the CMV virus, creating immunity to it. The donor then passes that immunity on to the patient upon receiving the stem cell transplant. Giving the CMV-MVA triplex vaccine to donors may help prevent CMV infection of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation.

A Novel Molecular Approach to Blood DNA Screening for Cancer: Specificity Assessment (The NOMAD Study)

This study is being done to establish "normal' values for a new blood test and urine test approach to cancer screening. Patients undergo blood and urine sample collection on study. Patients' medical records are reviewed.

Evaluation of Hypertension Management and Cardiovascular Adverse Event Prevention in Patients With B-cell Malignancies Undergoing Treatment With Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, the HALT Study

This study evaluates the incidence and management of new and worsening high blood pressure in patients with B-cell cancers on BTKi treatment.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (GEO-CM04S1) Versus mRNA SARS-COV-2 Vaccine in Patients With Blood Cancer

This phase 2 trial studies the immune response to GEO-CM04S1 (previously designated as COH04S1) compared to standard of care (SOC) mRNA SARS-COV-2 vaccine in patients with blood cancer who have received stem cell transplant or cellular therapy. GEO-CM04S1 belongs to a category called modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccines, created from a new version of MVA, called synthetic MVA. GEO-CM04S1 works by inducing immunity (the ability to recognize and fight against an infection) to SARS-CoV-2. The immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 that would block the virus from entering healthy cells. The immune system also grows new disease fighting T cells that can recognize and destroy infected cells. Giving GEO-CM04S1 after cellular therapy may work better in reducing the chances of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or developing a severe form of COVID-19 disease in patients with blood cancer compared to SOC mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Assessing Effect of Spinal Cord Stimulation on Pain and Quality of Life With Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

This study examines how spinal cord stimulation (SCS) affects pain level and quality of life in patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). CIPN is a nerve problem and one of the potential side effects of chemotherapy that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or muscle weakness in different parts of the body. CIPN usually begins in the hands or feet and gets worse over time. SCS is a type of therapy that has proven to be effective in treating numerous non-malignant pain disorders including failed back surgery syndrome, refractory angina, limb ischemia, complex regional pain syndrome, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. SCS may also be useful in patients with CIPN. This study evaluates how SCS affects pain and quality of life in patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation for CIPN.

Group Curriculum for Improving Survivorship Outcomes in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial studies the effectiveness of a group curriculum in improving survivorship outcomes in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Many AYA survivors typically do not feel prepared to re-enter "daily life" and would likely benefit from structured interventions to offer education and support in a timely manner as to prepare them for the challenges of life in survivorship. A 6-week group curriculum, designed to specifically meet the needs of AYA cancer survivors and facilitated by licensed social workers, may meet the unique needs of young adults who have survived a cancer diagnosis, and if so, the curriculum could be licensed and used across Mayo Clinic sites and potentially at other cancer centers nationwide.

Passive Music Intervention for the Reduction of Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Aspiration and/or Biopsy

This phase III trial compares the effect of adding passive music when undergoing bone marrow biopsy/aspirate versus bone marrow biopsy/aspirate alone in reducing anxiety. Music therapy helps relieve pain or stress and promote well-being. Listening to music during a bone marrow biopsy/aspirate procedure may reduce anxiety during the procedure.

Identifying and Caring for Individuals With Inherited Cancer Syndrome

This trial examines approaches to identify and care for individuals with inherited cancer syndrome. The purpose of this study is to offer no cost genetic testing to the general public. Researchers hope to learn the value of providing broad, public-wide testing for high risk cancer types (like hereditary breast and ovarian cancer or Lynch syndromes) instead of only testing people whose families are known to be high risk.

Bendamustine With or Without Cyclophosphamide in Preventing GVHD in Patients Undergoing Stem Cell Transplant

This phase I/II trial studies the side effects and best dose of bendamustine when given with or without cyclophosphamide in preventing graft versus host disease (GVHD) in patients undergoing stem cell transplant. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as bendamustine 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 and total body irradiation before or after a stem cell transplant helps kills cancer cells that are in the body and helps make room in the patient's bone marrow for new blood-forming cells (stem cells) to grow. Sometimes, the transplanted cells from a donor can attack the body's normal cells called GVHD. Giving tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and filgrastim after the transplant may stop this from happening.

Provider-Mediated Communication of Genetic Testing Results to At-Risk Relatives of Cancer Patients to Improve Genetic Counseling and Testing Rates, Family HOPE Study

This clinical trial tests whether provider-mediated communication of genetic testing results to at-risk relatives of cancer patients can help improve genetic counseling and testing rates. Approximately 15% of people with cancer have an inherited form of cancer due to changes in a gene that they have inherited from one of their parents. These changes increase a person's risk for developing cancer. Most people who have an inherited harmful change in a cancer risk gene don't know that they have it and are therefore not able to get the health care that they need. The primary reason for this problem has been a lack of genetic counseling and testing for cancer patients and patients with a strong family history of cancer. Another reason for this lack of awareness is that, when cancer runs in a family, the patient who carries the gene change usually has to communicate the genetic risk information to their family members. When this process doesn't work well, family members may not know that they need to get genetic testing and then may not get potentially life-saving care. Provider-mediated contact to discuss genetic test results may help improve rates of genetic testing among at-risk relatives of patients with a family cancer syndrome.

Analysis of Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Liquid Biopsy for Early Detection of Cancer in Patients With a Strong Family History of Cancer

This study evaluates patient acceptability of whole body magnetic resonance imaging (WBM) and liquid biopsies (LB) in detecting early stage cancer in patients with a strong family history of cancer. Collecting family history and testing for genes passed on from parent to child (germline testing) can be used to predict the likelihood of a patient developing cancer. Currently, detection of early cancers focuses on screening specific organ systems such as breast and colon cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside the body. Health care professionals use MRI scans to diagnose a variety of conditions, from torn ligaments to cancer. Liquid biopsy is test that analyzes blood samples to determine if cancer cells are present. This study may help researchers determine the feasibility of WBM and liquid biopsies to detect early stage cancer in patients that have a strong family history of cancer.

Ustekinumab for the Prevention of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease After Unrelated Donor Hematopoietic Cell Transplant

This phase II trial studies how well ustekinumab works in preventing acute graft-versus-host disease after unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplant. Sometimes the transplanted cells from a donor can attack the body's normal tissues (called graft-versus-host disease). Giving ustekinumab after the transplant may help prevent acute graft-versus-host disease by controlling the body's immune response. Funding Source- FDA OOPD.

Physical Activity With or Without Dexamethasone in Reducing Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Locally Advanced, Metastatic, or Recurrent Cancer

This phase II/III trial studies how well physical activity with or without dexamethasone works in reducing cancer-related fatigue in patients with cancer that has spread to other places in the body or has come back. Dexamethasone may decrease the body's immune response. Combining physical activity with dexamethasone may help to treat fatigue in patients with cancer.

Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Underserved Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial evaluates a community-based physical activity program for underserved cancer survivors. Cancer and its treatment significantly influence physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functioning. Historically, community sites (local and national) have not been staffed to offer support services such as physical, and occupational therapies (everyday life activities to promote health and well-being) or nutrition counselling, and do not offer a whole-person model of care. In this study, researchers have partnered with the YMCA to provide tailored home-based exercise programs for underserved cancer patients and survivors. Accessing exercise professionals may allow patients to prevent acute problems from becoming chronic, long-lasting physically weak impairments that directly influence patients' quality of life.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Based Virtual Group Therapy to Improve Psychological Wellbeing in Patients With Cancer

This clinical trial tests how well acceptance and commitment therapy and compassion based virtual group therapy works to improve psychological wellbeing, such as compassion, understanding, and flexibility, in patients with cancer. Receiving a cancer diagnosis, undergoing cancer treatment, and living with cancer- or treatment-related symptoms have often been found to be associated with elevated distress and decreased quality of life for individuals, even when the disease is stable or in remission. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has demonstrated considerable benefits on individuals' quality of life, psychological flexibility, and amelioration of psychological distress following a cancer diagnosis and in the face of uncertainty, loss, and challenges associated with cancer.

Low-Intensity Mechanical Stimulation for Hematologic Malignancy Patients

This clinical trial tests the effect of low-intensity mechanical stimulation (LIMS) vibration therapy in patients with hematologic malignancies. Patients with hematologic malignancies often undergo a blood and/or bone marrow transplant (hematopoietic cell transplantation \[HCT\]) or cellular therapy. The LIMS board delivers vibrations through the bones that may stimulate bone growth and may also increase muscle activity and strength and may also increase T-cell activation in patients planning to undergo cellular therapy. LIMS vibration therapy may stop or reverse BMD loss and/or improve the development of T-cells in the body in patients with hematologic malignancies who are undergoing or may plan to undergo HCT or cellular therapies.

A Collaborative Intervention for Improving Cancer Pain Management in Cancer Survivors (ASCENT)

This clinical trial tests a collaborative pain management intervention (ASCENT) for improving cancer pain in cancer survivors. Cancer pain is prevalent, under-treated, and remains a major cause of suffering, impairment, and disability for millions of Americans. Individual pain interventions and care models show promise for cancer pain in controlled settings. All cancer survivors stand to benefit from electronic health record innovations, as they can experience profound pain outcomes, including marked under- and over-prescribing of opioids. Digitally facilitated solutions are especially helpful and can be customized to address patient needs. The ASCENT intervention provides patients with an educational guide that describes techniques for addressing cancer pain, and uses community health workers and pain care managers to coach patients through a personalized pain management plan. This study may help researchers learn how pain management strategies can improve cancer pain and lower risk of opioid exposure and dependency in cancer survivors.

Patient Considerations of Social Media Account Management After Death

This study examines how supportive care clinic patients have made decisions or had discussions about how their caregivers or family should manage their social media account(s) after death. Collecting information on the use of social media and preferences will allow for a better understanding of patient's needs in the dying process and may identify populations in need of education, identify a possible source of anxiety and stress, and allow for an informed discussion of digital legacy.

Telemedicine for Improvement of Care for Older Adults With Cancer in the Underserved Community, The GAIN-S Trial

This clinical trial evaluates whether geriatric assessment-driven interventions with supportive care (GAIN-S) using telemedicine can be used to identify areas of vulnerability (weakness) in older adults with cancer and guide interventions to assist the patient and the healthcare team in the underserved community. The majority of patients diagnosed with cancer are over age 65 years, yet most cancer treatments are developed and tested in a younger population. Therefore, older patients with cancer are less likely to be offered standard treatments because of the concern regarding side effects. Geriatric assessment (GA) is a multi-dimensional health assessment tool combining patient reported and objective (unbiased) results. There is no standard tool that can identify which older adults will be more likely to have side effects from cancer treatment. Telemedicine is a way to provide healthcare services (including consultations, education, care management and treatment) in which the health care provider is at a distant site. The goal of this project is to use telemedicine to identify areas of vulnerability/weakness in older adults with cancer using a patient assessment, and to identify the potential referrals to a multi-specialty team based on patient assessment results. Information gathered from this study may help researchers learn whether GAIN-S can be performed using telemedicine and lead to improvement in care for older adults compared to standard of care (SOC) in the underserved community.