Clinical Research Directory

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.

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.

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.

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.

RefleXion PET/CT Imaging Performance in Patients With Various Malignancies

This clinical trial examines RefleXion Medical Radiotherapy System (RMRS) imaging to the standard of care (SOC) fludeoxyglucose F-18 (\[18F\]-FDG)- positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) imaging in patients with various cancers (malignancies). PET is an established imaging technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactivity attached to very minimal amounts of tracer, in the case of this research, \[18F\]-FDG. Because some cancers take up \[18F\]-FDG, cancer cells can be seen with PET. CT utilizes x-rays that traverse body from the outside. CT images provide an exact outline of organs and potential inflammatory tissue where it occurs in patient's body. The RefleXion system is designed to facilitate delivery of biology-guided radiotherapy (BgRT). The RMRS uses PET emissions to guide radiotherapy delivery in real-time and has been studied for use with FDG (which is an agent used in standard PET-CT scans that targets glucose). Information gathered from this study may help researchers to improve PET-CT imaging on the RefleXion system. This information will be used in the future to improve planning and delivery of radiotherapy that will target (in real time) the signal released from the \[18F\]-FDG-PET-CT tracer. Comparing the imaging from the standard of care \[18F\]-FDG-PET-CT with the \[18F\]-FDG imaging from RMRS may help improve the quality of the imaging captured and determine if imaging can be done on the RMRS at the same time as planning for radiation therapy, which would reduce the number of scans needed to plan for radiation for cancer.

Design and Testing of a Web-Based Tool for the Improvement of End-of-Life Planning in Patients With Advanced Cancer

This clinical trial examines a web-based tool, in partnership with Peacefully, Inc, designed to improve end-of-life planning among patients with advanced cancers. This program helps users prepare comprehensively for end-of-life (e.g., medical wishes, legal estate planning, financial planning and transfer of accounts, legacy building, and emotional support). It is expected that this web-based end-of-life planning program may reduce distress and improve end-of-life preparation among advanced cancer patients.

Cancer Parenting Program for the Enhancement of the Quality of Life of Patients With Advanced Cancer and Their Children

This trial examines the usefulness of two educational programs for parents with late-stage cancer who have a 5 - 17 year old child. The programs are designed to enhance the quality of the parent-child relationship and add to the parent's confidence in managing the impact of their cancer on their child. Educational programs may reduce anxiety and depression and improve the well-being and quality of life of parents with advanced cancers and their children. Recruitment occurs nationally via referral to the Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium team.

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.

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.

Quit2Heal Smartphone App in Helping Cancer Patients Quit Smoking

This phase III trial compares the Quit2Heal smoking cessation smartphone application (app) to the QuitGuide app in helping cancer patients quit smoking. Both apps provide tools to cope with urges to smoke, step-by-step guides for quitting smoking, help in planning for quitting and staying tobacco-free, and scientifically-based recommendations for how to select medications that aid in smoking cessation.

A Collaborative Intervention for Improving Cancer Pain Management in Cancer Survivors

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leflunomide in Combination With Steroids for the Treatment of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease After Donor Stem Cell Transplant for Hematologic Malignancies

This phase I trial tests the safety and side effects of leflunomide in combination with steroids in treating patients with acute graft versus host disease who have undergone done stem cell transplant for blood cancers (hematologic malignancies). Sometimes the transplanted cells from a donor can attack the body's normal cells (called graft-versus-host disease). Leflunomide and steroids are immunosuppressive drugs that work in different ways to lower the body's immune response so that the new donor immune cells do not attack the body's normal cells. Giving leflunomide in combination with steroids may help treat acute graft versus host disease in patients after stem cell transplant for hematologic malignancies.

Group Cognitive Behavior Sessions (CBCSM) to Decrease Distress in Cancer Patients

This clinical trial tests how well cognitive behavioral cancer stress management (CBCSM) group sessions work to decrease psychological distress in cancer patients. CBCSM teaches patients how to recognize and reduce the impacts of cancer associated stress on the biological, psychological, and social life domains.

Examining Blood and Tissue Samples to Identify Diagnostic Markers in Patients With Metastatic Cancer Undergoing Tumor Removal

This study characterizes deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and proteomic (protein) changes in both biopsies and tumors removed during surgery of patients who have been diagnosed with aggressive/metastatic (that has spread to other places in the body) cancer in order to identify possible diagnostic markers and potential drugs for treating aggressive tumor types. Proteomic analyses include looking at the proteome, or all the proteins expressed, or made by DNA at a specific moment in time. Studying samples of blood, buccal (cheek), and tissue in the laboratory from patients undergoing surgical resection or biopsy may help doctors learn more about the changes that occur in the proteome, DNA alterations, and identify molecular biomarkers for which therapeutic drugs may exist. Studying the DNA in tumor tissue and in blood may also help researchers see if the tumor has important differences.

Outreach Project to Connect Underrepresented Populations to Clinical Trials at Ohio State University, CUSP2CT Project Trial

This clinical trial tests the impact of the The Ohio State University Connecting Underrepresented Populations to Clinical Trials (CUSP2CT) project on clinical trial referrals and enrollment in racial/ethnic minorities. Progress in cancer prevention, detection and treatment can only be made by identifying and validating new and improved methods, compounds and modalities in clinical trials. Unfortunately, participation in clinical trials is not equal across all racial and ethnic groups, limiting progress against cancer in all population groups and further widening the disparity gap. To change this picture, concerted effort needs to be directed both at the communities at risk for being left out of trials and the systems that cause the disparities at all levels involved in accrual to clinical trials. The CUSP2CT project may have the potential to increase referral and accrual of racial/ethnic minorities to prevention/control and treatment trials.

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.

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.