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.

The Vanguard Study: Testing a New Way to Screen for Cancer

The Vanguard Study is a feasibility study to explore several aspects of evaluating multi-cancer detection (MCD) tests in a future definitive randomized controlled trial. An MCD test measures markers in the blood in order to screen for multiple cancers simultaneously. There is a need to understand how MCDs may work as cancer screening tools. The goal of cancer screening is to reduce the burden of cancer by identifying cancers before they show symptoms or signs, when treatment is likely to be most effective. In this study, adults aged 45-75 without cancer will be randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: 2 separate MCD test groups or a control group. These two MCD tests will not be compared to each other but will be compared to cancers detected in the control group. This study will provide early information on how well MCD tests perform as cancer screening tools. It will also help researchers understand how patients and their doctors make decisions about their care when the MCD test result comes back as normal (negative) or abnormal (positive).

Veliparib, Paclitaxel, and Carboplatin in Treating Patients With Solid Tumors That Are Metastatic or Cannot Be Removed by Surgery and Liver or Kidney Dysfunction

This phase I trial studies the side effects and the best dose of veliparib when given together with paclitaxel and carboplatin in treating patients with solid tumors that are metastatic or cannot be removed by surgery and liver or kidney dysfunction. Veliparib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel and carboplatin, 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 veliparib together with paclitaxel and carboplatin may kill more tumor cells.

Tailored Patient Navigation to Improve the Uptake of Lung Cancer Screening in Tribal Communities in Western Washington State, SACRED LUNGS Trial

This clinical trial studies whether tailored patient navigation (PN) works to improve the uptake of lung cancer screening (LCS) in tribal communities in western Washington state. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States among American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) people, and the incidence of lung cancer is higher in this population in the Northern and Southern Plains, Alaska, and Pacific Coast regions. In Washington state, AI/AN people also have twice the rate of commercial cigarette smoking than the overall population. LCS with annual low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) can reduce lung cancer death and is recommended in people 50-80 years of age with current or recent (within 15 years) tobacco use and a 20 pack-year or greater smoking history. Despite this, AI and AN people are less likely to receive LCS which may be due to barriers they face making it difficult to receive LCS. PN services are designed to guide a patient through the healthcare system and reduce barriers to timely screening, follow-up, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. The PN services in this trial have been tailored for the tribal communities in western Washington state. The services are designed to help participants overcome the unique barriers that their tribal communities face and improve the uptake of LCS.

Testing the SurVaxM Vaccine for Lung Cancer Prevention

This phase II trial tests how well a survivin peptide vaccine called SurVaxM works in preventing lung cancer in high risk patients. Upon administration, the SurVaxM vaccine activates the immune system to produce an immune cell response against cancer cells that express a protein called survivin. This may result in decreased tumor cell proliferation and lead to tumor cell death. SurVaxM is given with montanide, a substance that helps the immune system respond to the SurVaxM vaccine, followed by sargramostim, which is given to increase the number of white blood cells in the body. The SurVaxM vaccine may help the body make special proteins called antibodies, which may be helpful in preventing the development of lung cancer.

A Restorative Justice-Based Lung Cancer Screening Decision-Making Support Intervention Tailored for Black Individuals to Increase Lung Cancer Screening Among Black Community Members, RESTORE Trial

This clinical trial develops and studies whether a restorative justice-based lung cancer screening (LCS) decision-making support intervention tailored for Black individuals increases LCS among Black community members. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among Black men and women. LCS with yearly low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) is recommended for people with current or recent tobacco use (within 15 years) who are aged 50-80 with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history. LCS lowers lung cancer death by 20%; however, data shows that LCS completion remains low among minority groups in the United States. The restorative justice-based LCS decision-making support intervention in this trial has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of Black individuals. It is designed to reduce racial unfairness by promoting trust, shared understanding, and empowerment in clinical decision making while addressing the social and historical circumstances of health inequalities. This may be an effective way to increase LCS among Black community members.

HOPE-Genomics Intervention for the Improvement of Cancer Patient Knowledge of Genomics

This clinical trial studies the effectiveness of a web-based cancer education tool called Helping Oncology Patients Explore Genomics (HOPE-Genomics) in improving patient knowledge of personal genomic testing results and cancer and genomics in general. HOPE-Genomics is a web-based education tool that teaches cancer/leukemia patients, and patients who may be at high-risk for developing cancer, about genomic testing and provide patients with information about their own genomic test results. The HOPE-Genomics tool may improve patient's genomic knowledge and quality of patient-centered care. In addition, it may also improve education and care quality for future patients.

A New Way to Share Radiation Therapy Plans Between Doctors, CORRECT Trial

This clinical trial tests a new way to share radiation therapy plans using the Collaborative Oncology between Radiologists and Radiation oncologists for the Evaluation of Contoured Targets (CORRECT) workflow to improve communication and collaboration between radiation oncologists (ROs) and radiologists when determining cancer targets for radiation treatment. Systemic barriers limit critical communication between radiation oncologists and radiologists and can lead to both under and overdosing of radiation therapy (RT) tumor targets and failures to properly interpret post-treatment imaging. The limited formal diagnostic radiology training of many providers can make differentiating normal from disease imaging findings during target determination difficult, especially in complex disease sites like the lung, head, and neck. Inaccurate target determination may result in cancer return, excess toxicity, or both. Likewise, radiologists who cannot access prior RT plans may mistake expected RT changes for recurrent cancer or overlook true progression. The CORRECT workflow was developed by ROs and radiologists to address RO-radiology communication barriers by facilitating sharing of comprehensive RT target contours during RT planning. The CORRECT workflow begins with the normal process of RO target contouring. Computed tomography (CT) images are then fused with RT targets and pushed to a pre-designated Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) software folder accessible by the radiology department. The radiologist can then review the fused images at their chosen time and annotate images to indicate potential deviations (e.g., not avoiding normal tissue or not including all tumor). The RO reviews the annotated images and decides if any changes to treatment targets are needed for the final treatment plan. Through this independent, asynchronous review of high-quality images, CORRECT overcomes many of the limitations of existing communication methods between RO-radiologist, fostering a more collaborative, efficient, and precise approach to cancer treatment planning.

CONNECTing to LungCare

This study evaluates a smoking cessation intervention (CONNECTing to LungCare) for improving shared decision-making conversations about smoking cessation and lung cancer screening between patients and providers. Shared decision making is a patient care model in which providers offer information regarding risks and benefits, patients express their values and preferences, and then healthcare decisions are jointly discussed between the patient and provider. Patient education, aided by decision support tools, can increase patients' knowledge, decrease their decisional conflict, promote decision making, and improve the patients' perception of risk. CONNECTing to LungCare is an interactive education intervention that addresses lung cancer screening and smoking cessation and provides participants with a tailored summary that may make them more likely to have shared decision-making discussions with their providers about smoking cessation and lung cancer screening.

Telephone-based Physical Activity Coaching or Self Monitored Physical Activity to Improve Physical Function in Older Adults Who Are Undergoing Surgery for Lung Cancer and Their Caregivers

This clinical trial compares telephone-based physical activity coaching to self monitored physical activity for improving physical function in older adults who are undergoing surgery for lung cancer and their caregivers. Lung cancer surgery in older adults is associated with functional declines and unique challenges. Performing physical activity around the time of surgery has been shown to improve functional outcomes in patients and exercise programs delivered via telehealth may improve access and convenience for patients and minimize participant burden. Telephone-based physical activity coaching may improve physical functioning for older adults with lung cancer who are undergoing surgery.

The Rise in Robotic Atypical Segmentectomies

This study investigates the increased rate of robotic atypical segmentectomies. Segmentectomy refers to removing a section of a lobe of the lung. Reviewing patients' data retrospectively may help researchers determine whether robotic surgery has led to an increase in atypical segmentectomy.

Engagement of Veterans With Lung Cancer

This research study will help our understanding of whether additional support for Veterans with lung cancer can improve their quality of life.

Risk and Benefits of Electronic Cigarettes to Older Smokers at High Risk for Lung Cancer

This clinical trial investigates the effects of switching from smoking regular cigarettes to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among older adult smokers at high risk for lung cancer. E-cigarettes use heated vapor to deliver nicotine. Information gained from this trial may help inform regulators of the potential risks and benefits of switching smokers at high risk for lung cancer to electronic cigarettes. This research also may help inform the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) how best to regulate e-cigarettes with the goal of improving public health.

Molecular Analysis of Suspected or High-Risk Lung Cancer to Drive Individualized Care (Interception for Suspected Lung Cancer)

This study evaluates the effectiveness of robotic biopsies in providing information about hereditary or cancer specific genetic variants that may have a role in diagnosis of cancer and to develop genetic results and medical record databank for future studies.

First-in-Human Positron Emission Tomography Study Using the 18F-αvβ6-Binding-Peptide

This clinical trial studies the side effects of 18F-alphavbeta6-binding-peptide and how well it works in imaging patients with primary or cancer that has spread to the breast, colorectal, lung, or pancreatic. Radiotracers, such as 18F-alphavbeta6-binding-peptide, may improve the ability to locate cancer in the body.

Lung Cancer Screening in High-risk Black Individuals

The goal of this research study is to study U.S. Black individuals with a history of smoking to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and performance of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening among this population. The name of the intervention used in this research study is: Low-dose computed tomography (radiologic scan) chest scan

Evaluation of Canakinumab in High-Risk Former-Smokers

This phase II trial tests the impact of canakinumab on biologic samples (buccal, nasal, and blood) from former smokers with increased risk of cancer. Canakinumab blocks the activity of a protein called interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b), an agent of the inflammatory system and is used for the treatment of different non-cancer diseases (like auto-inflammatory diseases). Giving canakinumab may block the inflammatory system and could have positive effects to reduce cancer growth.

Evaluating the Impact of a Virtually Supervised Exercise Intervention and Group Counseling on Inflammation and the Microbiome of Smokers at High Risk for Lung Cancer, BE FIT Trial

This phase II trial evaluates how a virtually supervised exercise intervention in combination with group counseling affects inflammation and the bacterial composition (microbiome) of the gut in smokers who are at high risk for lung cancer. Physical exercise has been shown to reduce lung cancer development and to have beneficial effects on the gut microbiome and inflammation. Group counseling may promote adherence to the exercise intervention by empowering participants to exert greater control over their behavior and environment. This clinical trial may help researchers understand how exercise impacts inflammation and the microbiome in people at risk for lung cancer and whether or not exercise with counseling can improve health outcomes in high-risk individuals.

PET/CT Imaging to Evaluate Cardiac Radiation Damage in Patients With Lung or Esophageal Cancer, EUCLID Trial

This clinical trial examines positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in evaluating cardiac radiation damage in patients with lung or esophageal cancer. As part of the treatment for lung or esophageal cancer, patients will undergo radiation therapy. Sometimes, during this treatment, the heart is also subjected to some radiation which could affect its function, either increasing or decreasing the function. It is not known the consequences of this change nor is it known if doctors can detect the changes associated with the radiation. Sarcoidosis FDG positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) scans are a common way to image cardiac inflammation and myocardial viability. This study may help doctors image the heart before, during and after radiotherapy to monitor any changes.

Panitumumab-IRDye800 in Detecting Cancer in Participants With Lung Cancer During Surgery

This phase I/II trial studies the best dose and timing of panitumumab-IRDye800 in detecting cancer in participants with lung cancer during the surgery. Panitumumab-IRDye800 is a combination of the antibody drug panitumumab and IRDye800CW, an investigational dye that can be seen using a special camera. Panitumumab-IRDye800 may attach to tumor cells and make them more visible during surgery in patients with lung cancer.

Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle-Aspiration With Suction in Obtaining Samples From Patients With Suspected Nodal Metastatic Lung Cancer

This trial studies how well endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle-aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) with suction works in obtaining samples from patients with suspected lung cancer that has spread to the nodal. EBUS-TBNA samples obtained with additional suction may help to improve material-amounts and decrease blood contamination in the samples.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device or Deep Inspiration Breath Hold in Reducing Tumor Motion in Patients Undergoing Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer

This pilot phase I/II trial studies how well a continuous positive airway pressure device or deep inspiration breath hold works in reducing tumor movement in patients undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer. The continuous positive airway pressure device works by blowing air into the lungs while patients wear a face mask or nozzle to help expand their airways and lungs. Deep inspiration breath hold is a standard technique that uses active breath-holding to restrict movement of the body. Using a continuous positive airway pressure device may work better than deep inspiration breath hold in lowering the amount of tumor movement during stereotactic radiation body therapy.

A Self-Monitoring Platform for Tracking Medication Safety and Concerns in Cancer Patients

This clinical trial evaluates the usefulness of a self-monitoring platform for tracking medication safety events and concerns in patients with lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. Patients receiving oral anticancer agents often encounter challenges in managing complex treatment regimens, potentially life-threatening toxicities, and drug-drug and drug-food interactions at home. To achieve the goal of medication safety, they need to become "vigilant partners" in medication and toxicity self-monitoring, including timely reporting of medication events to clinicians when their care transitions back home. In this study, patients use an online self-monitoring platform to track their experiences or concerns about taking their medications, including their experiences with symptoms. This platform may be a useful way for patients to track problems they have when taking their medications at home and may help them take better care of their health.

Yoga Program for Improving the Quality of Life in Couples Coping With Cancer

This clinical trial seeks to learn if a yoga program can improve physical performance, quality of life and symptom burden in cancer patients who are undergoing radiation therapy, and their partners. Taking part in yoga or stretching sessions may lower distress, improve quality of life, and/or may improve sleep and fatigue for cancer patients and their caregivers.