Clinical Research Directory

Evaluation of the Distribution of 64Cu/68Ga Labeled CM500 in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Cancer

The objective of this study is to assess two novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers, \[64Cu\]CM500 and \[68Ga\]CM500, for Positron Emission Tomography-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET-MR) and Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography (PET-CT) imaging of solid tumors. These tracers have the potential to detect solid tumors throughout the body and may enable doctors to identify smaller tumors than conventional imaging techniques.

Collection of Blood From Patients With Cancer

This study will collect blood from patients with cancer to study the level of cells which decrease the immune response (suppressor cells) before and after chemotherapy. Patients 18 years of age and older with cancer may participate. This study does not involve treatment. Participants will have about 50 ml (3 tablespoonfuls) of blood drawn. Depending on their condition, patients may be invited to enroll in a clinical research study involving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery. Additional 40-ml blood samples may be drawn during the course of treatment. ...

A Prospective, Single-Arm, Open-Label Clinical Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy Combined With Targeted Therapy and a PD-1 Inhibitor in Patients With Postoperative Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Microvascular Invasion

A Prospective, Single-Arm, Open-Label Clinical Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy Combined with Targeted Therapy and a PD-1 Inhibitor in Patients with Postoperative Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Microvascular Invasion

A Study to Test Different Doses of BI 765049 Alone and in Combination With Ezabenlimab in Asian People With Advanced Cancer (Solid Tumours) Positive for B7-H6

This is a study in adults from Asia with different types of advanced cancer (solid tumours). People can join the study if they have cancer of the stomach, large bowel and rectum, pancreas, liver, head and neck or non-small cell lung cancer. This is a study for people for whom previous treatment was not successful or no treatment exists. People can participate if their tumour has the B7-H6 marker. The purpose of this study is to find the highest dose of BI 765049 that people with advanced cancer can tolerate when taken (alone and) together with ezabenlimab. Another purpose is to check whether BI 765049 taken (alone and) together with ezabenlimab can make tumours shrink. Both medicines may help the immune system fight cancer. Participants can stay in the study up to 3 years, as long as they can tolerate it and can benefit from it. During this time, they visit the study site about every 3 weeks. At the study site they get BI 765049 alone or in combination with ezabenlimab as an infusion into a vein. BI 765049 is given in 3-week cycles, ezabenlimab is given once every 3 weeks. The doctors check the health of the participants and note any health problems that could have been caused by BI 765049 or ezabenlimab. Doctors regularly check the size of the tumour and check whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Evaluation of Novel Cone-Beam CT for Guidance and Adaptation of Precision Radiotherapy

This is a feasibility study investigating the image quality of a new, high-performance cone beam CT (CBCT) used for on-couch imaging during radiotherapy treatments.

National Translational Science Network of Precision-based Immunotherapy for Primary Liver Cancer

Background: Primary Liver Cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. It is the cancer with the fastest rising incidence and mortality in the United States. Researchers want to learn more about liver cancer to help them design better treatments. Objective: To better understand liver cancer. Eligibility: People ages 18 and older who have liver cancer and had or are planning to have immune therapy Design: Participants will be screened with a review of their medical records. They will be asked about their medical history and test results. Participants will come to the NIH Clinical Center. During this visit, their medical records, test results, imaging studies, and tissue samples (if available) will be gathered. Participants will learn the results of a test to see if they have any mutations known to be connected to cancer. They will learn if there are treatment options for them. Participants will give blood, urine, and stool samples or rectal swabs. Participants will not have follow-up visits just for this study. If they join another NIH research study and have visits for this other study, their medical records; test results; and blood, urine, and stool samples may be collected. This will occur about every 3 months. If they have a biopsy or surgery on another study or as part of treatment and there is leftover tissue, researchers would like to collect some of that tissue. Participants will be contacted every 6 months by phone or e-mail. They will be asked about their health. They will provide any medical records, test results, and imaging studies. Participants will be followed on this study for life.

DESTINY-PANTUMOUR04

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of T-DXd in patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+) locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic solid tumors who have received prior systemic treatment for metastatic or advanced disease and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options in a real-world setting in the US

Ovarian-Sparing Adaptive Radiotherapy in Young Adult Women

Female patients with early onset (\<50 years old) pelvic malignancies such as uterine and rectal cancers are rising in incidence, which often requires pelvic radiation; many of these patients are premenopausal and at a high risk of premature ovarian failure from radiotherapy. Premature ovarian failure carries significant cardiac, musculoskeletal, sexual, and psychosocial morbidity. Ovarian transposition carries variable success rates, is not readily accessible to the general population, and can still be at risk of clinically significant radiotherapy doses. There is an unmet need for innovative techniques to protect ovarian function.

Pre- and Post-operative TEG Indices in Patients With or Without Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Surgical Resection

The investigators hypothesize that abnormalities in thromboelastography (TEG) parameters in patients with liver, pancreas, biliary, esophageal, colorectal, and lung adenocarcinoma can serve as biomarkers for oncologic disease burden, cancer recurrence and overall survival as well as thrombotic and hemorrhagic post-operative complications. The investigators further hypothesize that there is histologic pathology correlates to pre-operative TEG abnormalities, and that it identifies patients with virulent tumor biology.

Using an End-of-life Conversation Game to Engage Patients With Cancer in Advance Care Planning: Phase 2

The goal of this clinical trial is to explore feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of end-of-life conversation game "Hello" as a tool to help individuals with various solid cancer types (including: breast, gastro-intestinal, lung, melanoma, head and neck, and/or genito-urinary cancers) treated at Penn State Health clinics and their loved ones perform advance care planning (ACP). The main questions it aims to answer are: What modifications and/or adaptations are necessary to Hello for use in cancer populations? What impact does participation in Hello event have on health care usage (e.g., number of hospitalizations, ICU admissions, emergency department visits, etc.)? How feasible is it to randomize participants to play either Hello for Cancer or Table Topics? Participants will: * Complete pre-game questionnaires * Play either Hello or Table Topics game * Complete post-game questionnaires * Participate in a focus group * Complete a telephone follow up interview 1-4 months after their event This study is a continuation of NCT06028152.

TACE Using Idarubicin Versus Doxorubicin Chemoemulsion in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Little is known about whether the types of chemotherapeutic agents affect the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Although doxorubicin is the most commonly-used chemotherapeutic agent in the world, idarubicin is recently in the spotlight after promising results of the in vitro and prospective single-arm studies. On the other hand, there are many reports showing that the type of chemotherapeutic agents does not significantly alter the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization. This is a randomized-controlled trial to show the non-inferiority of idarubicin compared to doxorubicin in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who receive transarterial chemoembolization as the first-line treatment.

Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Thoracic Epidural Analgesia for Open Liver Resection

Background: Open liver resection is associated with severe postoperative pain. While thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is considered the gold standard for pain control, its clinical application is often limited by postoperative coagulation profile derangement, which increases the risk of epidural hematoma. Continuous erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has emerged as a promising, safer alternative with a lower risk of bleeding complications. Objective: This study aims to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy, safety profiles, and impacts on respiratory function between ultrasound-guided continuous ESPB and TEA in patients undergoing elective open liver resection. Hypothesis: The investigators hypothesize that continuous ESPB using a programmed intermittent bolus (PIB) regimen is non-inferior to TEA regarding 72-hour postoperative pain scores at rest, while offering superior hemodynamic stability and fewer technique-related risks.

PD-1 mRNA LNP Vaccine for Advanced Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of PD-1 mRNA LNP Vaccine Therapy in Patients with Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Who Have Failed Advanced Standard Therapy

National Liver Cancer Screening Trial

The National Liver Cancer Screening Trial is an adaptive randomized phase IV Trial comparing ultrasound-based versus biomarker-based screening in 5500 patients with cirrhosis from any etiology or patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Eligible patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to Arm A using semi-annual ultrasound and AFP-based screening or Arm B using semi-annual screening using GALAD alone. Randomization will be stratified by sex, enrolling site, Child Pugh class (A vs. B), and HCC etiology (viral vs. non-viral). Patients will be recruited from 15 sites (mix of tertiary care and large community health systems) over a 3-year period, and the primary endpoint of the phase IV trial, reduction in late-stage HCC, will be assessed after 5.5 years.

HepQuant: Study to Assess the Role of Blood-based Biomarkers and Quantitative MR Imaging for Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy for Liver Cancer

This is a pilot and feasibility study assessing the role of quantitative multiparametric MRI and blood-based biomarkers for the measurement of liver function in patients receiving radiation therapy for liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma, or liver metastases regardless of primary histology, that are undergoing photon radiation either in the de-novo or re-irradiation setting. The goal of this study is to prospectively evaluate the feasibility of using quantitative multiparametric MRI to monitor liver function at baseline and following liver radiation therapy.

Prospective Procurement of Tumor Tissue to Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets and Study the Tumor Microenvironment

Background: Many advances have been made in cancer treatments, but more research is needed. Comparing samples of cancerous tissue to samples of normal, noncancerous tissues may help find differences between them. These differences may help researchers find new ways to treat cancer. Objective: To collect tissues and blood samples from people with known or suspected cancer. The samples will be used to help identify new targets for cancer treatments. Eligibility: People aged 18 years and older with a known or suspected cancer that requires surgery or biopsy. Design: Participants will be screened. They will answer questions about their health. They can do this on the phone or in person. Researchers will collect information from participants medical records. Data may include information about any prior or current cancers. Data about other medical conditions may also be collected. Participants will have blood drawn. Some of the blood will be tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C. Some of the blood will be used for genetic research. Participants will have tissue samples collected during surgeries or biopsies. These are procedures the participants would have had as part of their standard care. No new procedures will be done just for this study. Researchers may also seek out samples from prior procedures the participant had done. Participants will remain in the study for 6 months. They may have blood drawn again. Researchers may also collect tissue samples from any procedures performed during that time.

Development and Testing of a Patient-facing Educational Tool About Liver Cancer Prevention

To develop and test liver cancer prevention educational material.

Interleukin-15 and -21 Armored Glypican-3-specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor Expressed in T Cells for Pediatric Solid Tumors

Patients may be considered if the cancer has come back, has not gone away after standard treatment or the patient cannot receive standard treatment. This research study uses special immune system cells called CARE T cells, a new experimental treatment. The body has different ways of fighting infection and disease. No single way seems perfect for fighting cancers. This research study combines two different ways of fighting cancer: antibodies and T cells. Antibodies are types of proteins that protect the body from infectious diseases and possibly cancer. T cells, also called T lymphocytes, are special infection-fighting blood cells that can kill other cells, including cells infected with viruses and tumor cells. Both antibodies and T cells have been used to treat patients with cancers. They have shown promise, but have not been strong enough to cure most patients. Investigators have found from previous research that they can put a new gene (a tiny part of what makes-up DNA and carries a person's traits) into T cells that will make them recognize cancer cells and kill them. In the lab, investigators made several genes called a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), from an antibody called GPC3. The antibody GPC3 recognizes a protein found solid tumors including pediatric liver cancers. This CAR is called GPC3-CAR. To make this CAR more effective, investigators also added two genes that includes IL15 and IL21, which are protein that helps CAR T cells grow better and stay in the blood longer so that they may kill tumors better. The mixture of GPC3-CAR and IL15 plus IL21 killed tumor cells better in the laboratory when compared with CAR T cells that did not have IL15 plus IL21 .This study will test T cells that investigators made (called genetic engineering) with GPC3-CAR and the IL15 plus IL21 (CARE T cells) in patients with GPC3-positive solid tumors. T cells made to carry a gene called iCasp9 can be killed when they encounter a specific drug called AP1903. The investigators will insert the iCasp9 and IL15 plus IL21 together into the T cells using a virus that has been made for this study. The drug (AP1903) is an experimental drug that has been tested in humans with no bad side-effects. The investigators will use this drug to kill the T cells if necessary due to side effects. This study will test T cells genetically engineered with a GPC3-CAR and IL15 plus IL21 (CARE T cells) in patients with GPC3-positive solid tumors. The CARE T cells are an investigational product not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The purpose of this study is to find the biggest dose of CARE T cells that is safe, to see how long they last in the body, to learn what the side effects are and to see if the CARE T cells will help people with GPC3-positive solid tumors.

TRANScriptional Pathways Of Surgical Pain Modulated by Music Therapy Exposure (TRANSPOSE)

Participants may take part in this study if they are scheduled to undergo a surgery that meets the following: (1) traditional open surgery via laparotomy, (2) length of surgery \>3 hours, and (3) curative-intent surgical resection of a cancer in the stomach, pancreas, bile ducts, liver, or peritoneal surfaces. The purpose of this study is (1) to evaluate the feasibility of collecting blood samples prior to surgery, post-surgery and pre- music-assisted relaxation and imagery (MARI) intervention, and immediately post-MARI intervention and (2) to identify gene expression changes associated with MARI and explore their relationship with immediate changes in pain intensity. Participants will be in this study for the duration of their hospital admission for surgery.

Distance-Based Exercise to Preserve Function and Prevent Disability

This clinical trial studies whether an exercise program can be successfully delivered to patients receiving treatment for cancer through virtual sessions and allow patients to exercise in their own home. Treatments for cancer can cause side effects such as fatigue and loss of strength. These side effects can make it difficult to work, take care of family, and do other things the patient wants to do. Preliminary research shows that exercise can help prevent some of these side effects, but it can be more difficult to start an exercise program when a patient is receiving cancer treatment. The exercise program in this study is delivered through telehealth (TH) video calls. The TH sessions are delivered by trained staff that supervise resistance exercises. The trained staff also provide guidance to the patient on completing unsupervised aerobic sessions on their own. This may be a successful way to deliver an exercise program and make it easier for cancer patients to exercise in their own home during treatment.

A Study to Test the Safety and Feasibility of Nivolumab With Drug Eluting Bead Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients With Liver Cancer

The purpose of the study is to find out the effects of using nivolumab with Drug Eluting Bead Transarterial Chemoembolization (deb-TACE) in the treatment of liver cancer.

A Study of Nivolumab in Participants With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Who Are at High Risk of Recurrence After Curative Hepatic Resection or Ablation

This study will investigate if nivolumab will improve recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared to placebo in participants with HCC who have undergone complete resection or have achieved a complete response after local ablation, and who are at high risk of recurrence

Patient Controlled Epidural Analgesia Versus Intravenous Patient Controlled Analgesia for Post-Operative Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Elective Liver Resection

The purpose of this study is to learn whether patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) is a better method for managing pain after liver resection compared to patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA). Currently, the standard pain control method for liver resection patients is IV PCA. There is not enough data on how epidural (PCEA) relieves pain and movement on a day to day basis after liver resection.

Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in limited therapeutic options. Despite the advances in immunotherapy, a substantial proportion of patients fail to respond adequately due to mechanisms of immune resistance. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has demonstrated the ability to enhance their efficacy in other tumors, such as melanoma. In patients with HCC and cirrhosis, intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by a reduction in beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia) and increased inflammation, is associated with an immunosuppressive profile. Furthermore, a dysbiosis index has been correlated with response to ICIs. In this context, FMT represents a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in HCC, although data regarding its efficacy and safety are still limited.