Clinical Research Directory

Collection of Research Data and Samples From Patients Who Experience Immunotherapy Side Effects

This trial collects research data and samples from patients who experience immunotherapy side effects to store for use in future research studies. Studying research data and samples from patients who experience immunotherapy side effects may help researchers better understand how to predict, prevent, and treat these side effects.

Assessment of the Impact of Increased Production of Reactive Oxygen Species Produced During Repeated Sessions of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy for Neoplasia, on the Occurrence of DNA Damage

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment involving the administration of oxygen at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure, with numerous potential indications such as radiation-induced tissue damage, chronic wounds, and more. HBOT significantly increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in tissues, thereby promoting wound healing. However, this "hyperoxygenation" may also exert toxic effects, particularly through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can induce DNA damage and potentially promote mutagenesis, thereby increasing long-term neoplastic risk. A single HBOT session is associated with a significant increase in ROS production, which may persist for up to 48 hours post-exposure, and is also linked to DNA damage. DNA repair is typically a rapid process, with the activation of protective mechanisms. The effects of repeated HBOT sessions remain a matter of debate. Reported outcomes range from attenuation of genotoxicity, to exacerbation of DNA damage, or no effect at all (8). In patients with cancer or comorbidities associated with impaired DNA repair capacity, repeated HBOT could be more detrimental, potentially increasing genotoxic effects and cancer risk. This increased oxygen susceptibility in cancer patients has already been observed in normobaric conditions during abdominal surgery, where hyperoxygenation strategies were associated with increased mortality in this subgroup. A potential pro-carcinogenic effect of HBOT in cancer patients has also been suggested in some case series, though not confirmed by larger studies. Current literature on HBOT safety remains generally reassuring; however, the possibility of DNA damage and its potential long-term genotoxic consequences cannot be entirely excluded. This question is of particular importance given that many primary indications for HBOT involve patients with a history of malignancy or active cancer

Community Health Worker Based Intervention to Improve Palliative Care

The study aims to find out if community health worker (CHW) support will improve palliative care outcomes in African American patients with advanced cancer, by comparing the quality of life of patients who are receiving standard care to those whose standard care is supplemented with CHW support.

Virotherapy and Natural History Study of KHSV-Associated Multricentric Castleman s Disease With Correlates of Disease Activity

This study will gain information about a rare disorder called KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD). KSHV, a virus, causes several kinds of cancer, including some forms of MCD. KSHV stands for the Kaposi's sarcoma herpes virus, also called human herpes virus-8, or HHV-8. Researchers want to understand the biology of KSHV-MCD to identify how this disease causes illness and to find ways to treat it. There is no standard therapy effective for all cases of KSHV-MCD. The disease is often fatal, and about half the people who have it die within 2 years of diagnosis. Participants ages 18 and older may be eligible for this study. Participation entails more drawing of blood and having repeated tumor biopsies than if patients received treatment in a non-research setting. Researchers would like to learn more about the relationship of KSHV and Castleman's disease symptoms, and they want to obtain at least three biopsies in this study. There are some side effects of experimental therapy that participants may take for KSHV-MCD. Zidovudine, or Retrovir(R), is used at a high dose. It is given orally or through a vein, four times daily, for 7 days or longer. Zidovudine can cause nausea, vomiting, decreased bone marrow function, and decreased blood counts. Combined with valganciclovir, or Valcyte(TM), it is likely to be more toxic to bone marrow. Valganciclovir can cause problems with bone marrow function, leading to low blood counts, sterility, and defects in a fetus. Combined with zidovudine, valganciclovir may cause more toxicity to the bone marrow. It is given twice daily for 7 days or longer. Bortezomib, or Velcade(TM), is given for a few seconds by a rapid push through a needle into the vein. It is given twice weekly for four doses and then stopped for 1 week. Bortezomib can sometimes cause low blood pressure; it also can cause gastrointestinal problems and a low blood platelet count. Rituximab and liposomal doxorubicin are drugs given by a catheter into a vein. Interferon-alpha is given by injection into the skin. Those drugs are not experimental, but their use in Castleman's disease is experimental. Some participants may be treated with a combination of chemotherapy followed by interferon-alpha. Interferon-alpha is infected into the skin by a needle. The natural form of interferon is produced by the body and helps to control viral infections. KSHV decreases the effect of the body's interferon, and the researchers want to see if giving higher doses of interferon will help to control KSHV infection. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan, for research purposes only, may be done up to three times a year. A radioactive sugar molecule called fluorodeoxyglucose, or FDG, is used. It is believed that activated lymphocytes that may be found in participants' disease might use more FDG because these cells burn more glucose fuel. This study may or may not have a direct benefit for participants. However, detailed assessments made throughout the study may provide information to help the doctors treat KSHV-MCD better.

Novel Outreach Methods to Increase Enrollment to Early Phase Clinical Trials

This trial will study different outreach methods to assess impact on enrollment of underrepresented minorities (specifically African Americans) to early phase cancer clinical treatment trials. Both patients and providers (those seeing enrolled patients) will be enrolled and receive the study interventions or no intervention (control arm).

Chest Wall Reconstruction Cohort

Chest wall reconstruction following tumor or infection-related resections remains a challenging aspect of thoracic surgery, requiring restoration of structural stability and preservation of respiratory mechanics. While polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement has long been used for rigid reconstruction, its limitations-including high cost, rigidity, infection risk, and interference with normal respiratory motion-pose challenges in resource-constrained settings. Twisted stainless steel wires offer a low-cost, flexible alternative that allows dynamic chest wall movement and easier adaptability in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan. To compare postoperative outcomes, complications, and cost-effectiveness of chest wall reconstruction using twisted stainless steel wires versus PMMA bone cement over a two-year period (January 2025 - December 2026). This prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Services Hospital, Lahore, a high-volume tertiary care and referral center. Patients undergoing chest wall reconstruction following resection for tumors, infections, or trauma were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the reconstruction technique used: Group A (twisted steel wires) and Group B (PMMA bone cement). Parameters assessed included postoperative pain (VAS scores), respiratory function, chest wall stability, complications (infection, wound dehiscence, prosthesis exposure), duration of hospital stay, readmission rate, and cost of reconstruction. Data were analyzed to compare clinical and functional outcomes between both cohorts.

Target-specific immunoPET Imaging of Digestive System Carcinoma

The aim of this study is to establish and optimize the target-specific PET/CT imaging method, and its physiological and pathological distribution characteristics, on the basis of which the diagnostic efficacy of the above imaging agents in digestive system malignant tumors will be evaluated.

DETERMINE Trial Treatment Arm 02: Atezolizumab in Adult, Paediatric and Teenage/Young Adult Patients With Cancers With High Tumour Mutational Burden (TMB) or Microsatellite Instability-high (MSI-high) or Proven Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency (CMMRD) Disposition

This clinical trial is looking at a drug called atezolizumab. Atezolizumab is approved as standard of care treatment for adult patients with urothelial cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and triple negative breast cancer. This means it has gone through clinical trials and been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK. Atezolizumab works in patients with these types of cancers which have certain changes in the cancer cells called high tumour mutational burden (TMB) or high microsatellite instability (MSI) or proven (previously diagnosed) constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD). Investigators now wish to find out if it will be useful in treating patients with other cancer types which are also TMB/MSH-high or show CMMRD. If the results are positive, the study team will work with the NHS and the Cancer Drugs Fund to see if these drugs can be routinely accessed for patients in the future. This trial is part of a trial programme called DETERMINE. The programme will also look at other anti-cancer drugs in the same way, through matching the drug to rare cancer types or ones with specific mutations.

DETERMINE Trial Treatment Arm 06: Capmatinib in Adult Patients With Cancers Harbouring MET Dysregulations

This clinical trial is looking at a drug called capmatinib. Capmatinib is approved as standard of care treatment for adult patients with certain types of lung cancer. This means it has gone through clinical trials and been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK. Capmatinib works in patients with lung cancer with a particular mutation in their cancer known as a METex14 skipping mutation. Investigators now wish to find out if it will be useful in treating patients with other cancer types which have the same mutation or other specific mutations or changes which take place in the MET gene. If the results are positive, the study team will work with the NHS and the Cancer Drugs Fund to see if these drugs can be routinely accessed for patients in the future. This trial is part of a trial programme called DETERMINE. The programme will also look at other anti-cancer drugs in the same way, through matching the drug to rare cancer types or ones with specific mutations.

DETERMINE Trial Treatment Arm 03: Entrectinib in Adult, Paediatric and Teenage/Young Adult Patients With ROS1 Gene Fusion-Positive Cancers.

This clinical trial is looking at a drug called entrectinib. Entrectinib is approved as standard of care treatment for adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which have a particular molecular alteration called ROS1-positive, and patients 12 years old or above with solid tumours which have another type of change in the cancer cells. This means it has gone through clinical trials and been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK. Investigators now wish to find out if it will be useful in treating patients with other cancer types which have the same molecular alteration (ROS1-positive). If the results are positive, the study team will work with the NHS and the Cancer Drugs Fund to see if these drugs can be routinely accessed for patients in the future. This trial is part of a trial programme called DETERMINE. The programme will also look at other anti-cancer drugs in the same way, through matching the drug to rare cancer types or ones with specific mutations.

Immuno-Oncology Database and Bioregistry

Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), are effective in treating many different types of cancers. ICIs fight cancer by driving the immune system into an "activated state" that makes it harder for tumor cells to hide and easier for the immune system to destroy them. In doing this, oncologists risk "over activation" where immune cells can cause side effects that could affect any part of the body. These are known as immune related adverse events (irAEs). While irAEs are a known risk of ICIs, scientists and doctors do not understand how they develop, who is more likely to get them, and what is the best way to manage them while still getting the anti-tumor effects from ICIs. The aim of this project is to build an infrastructure for researchers to collaborate in clinical, translational, and basic science research focused on understanding and managing immune related adverse events (irAEs). The investigators will collect research data and samples from patients who receive ICI treatment, including when patients might experience immunotherapy side effects, to store for use in future research studies.

Tandem Polyurethane Stents Compared to Single Silicone Stent for Malignant Ureteral Obstruction

Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is an extrinsic ureteral obstruction caused by malignant diseases. This study aim to compare tandem 6 Fr Percuflex™ stents and single large-caliber 8Fr silicone stent in patients with MUO. The primary endpoint is stent failure rate. The secondary endpoints are patient comfort, quality of life and overall survival.

Evaluating Informatics-assisted Immune-related Adverse Event Detection to Improve Registration Onto a Biorepository

Immunotherapies have improved cancer outcomes, but have a unique profile of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Biorepositories have been established to collect data and samples to help improve our understanding of irAEs, however identifying patients who are eligible for these biorepositories in a timely fashion can be challenging. The goal of this study is to determine if an informatics system for automated irAE detection can improve registration to a prospective irAE biorepository (NCT04242095). The informatics system automatically "reads" participants' electronic health records (EHRs) and determines whether that patient may be experiencing an irAE. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is it feasible to implement an informatics system for daily analysis of EHR data to detect irAEs? * Does the automated irAE detection system improve registration rates to an irAE biorepository at our institution following an eligible irAE? Researchers will compare standard irAE monitoring to informatics-assisted irAE monitoring to see if using the informatics system increases the registration rate and improves data entry efficiency and quality. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to standard monitoring or informatics-assisted monitoring for irAE detection. * Have their EHR reviewed to collect demographic, medical, and cancer treatment history. * Be monitored for irAEs through daily automated analysis of their EHR data for up to 12 months or until registration in the biorepository.

The Role of Stereo-tActic BoDy RadIotherApy iN Oligo-Progressive MalignanT Disease

Systemic therapy is the main treatment for patients with metastatic cancers. Oligo-progression has become a recognized entity for metastatic cancer and it is thought that a subset of cancer cells may develop heterogeneity and resistant clones while receiving systemic therapy. This results in overall tumor response but progression in metastatic sites. Current standard is to change systemic therapies. With advancing technologies, stereotactic body radiation therapy is being used to deliver high doses of focused radiation to the disease site, while minimizing risk of injury to the surrounding organs. SBRT is increasingly being used in patients presenting oligo-metastatic disease, and is recognized as having a potential for cure. This study will investigate the use of SBRT for breast and genito-urinary cancer patients with oligo-progression. Patients will be seen before and at the end of treatment and will be followed at 4 month intervals for up to 2 years. During the visits participants will complete quality of life questionnaires and will have standard of care imaging. Patients will also have the option to provide blood at baseline, during treatment, and at various follow up time points for analysis of ctDNA

Application of 18F-PSMA PET / CT Imaging in Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen Positive Tumor

In this study, Al18F-PSMA-BCH PET/CT will be performed in patients with prostate specific membrane antigen positive tumor, to evaluate the tumour detection efficacy of Al18F-PSMA-BCH PET/CT.

Allogeneic NKG2DL-targeting CAR γδ T Cells (CTM-N2D) in Advanced Cancers (ANGELICA)

CAR-T is a pioneering cancer treatment which has found success in some cancers. This treatment is made first by taking blood cells from the patient. Then in the lab, an artificial protein - a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR), is grafted on the surface of immune cells. The modified cells, which are readministered to the patient, have enhanced abilities to target and destroy cancers than unmodified immune cells. Currently approved CAR-T can only be used autologously. i.e. the patient will receive CAR-T treatment made from their own cells. This is because current CAR-T treatment uses αβ T cells - a type of immune cell which are largely non-transferable between individual human beings due to the high risk of Graft-versus-Host Disease. However, autologous CAR-T comes with many limitations. A lengthy, manufacturing process follows after the patient donates their own blood, accompanied by a high risk of manufacturing failure, which can be attributed to the cell quality from cancer patients undergoing stressful anti-cancer therapy. CytoMed Therapeutics pioneers a new CAR-T treatment (CTM-N2D) which may confer some benefit over current CAR-T treatment. CTM-N2D uses a subtype of immune cell -- γδ T cell. Secondly, the CAR on CTM-N2D targets a surface antigen called NKG2DL which are commonly present in many cancer. These two features may confer a safer product profile, of better quality and may be efficacious in cancers where previous CAR-T treatments has not. The phase I clinical trial of CTM-N2D will be conducted at the National University Hospital, Singapore. The objective of this clinical trial is to determine the optimal dose of CTM-N2D, and to investigate its safety and tolerability. The subjects of the clinical trial will also be investigated for their tumour response to CTM-N2D. CTM-N2D has undergone preclinical studies. Relevant data from other clinical trials are also used to infer the expected outcome, and strategies of management of this clinical trial. The institution's ethical review board must give its approval before the study may begin. An independent Data Safety Monitoring Board monitors the safety aspect of this trial.

Feasibility of Ambulatory Talc. Pleurodesis

Patients with malignant pleural disease often experience a significant symptom burden and a short life expectancy. The cornerstone of their treatment is relieving breathlessness by draining fluid from around the lungs and attempting to prevent further fluid build up. Inpatient chest drainage and talc pleurodesis remains the most successful method of stopping the fluid build up but this often requires an average hospital stay of four days. This can be an inappropriate length of time for this patient group. Our study would investigate whether this treatment could be provided on an outpatient, ambulatory basis and facilitate a greater quality of life. The investigators would assess deliverability of the trial protocol and collect patient feedback to see if our patients consider it an acceptable and worthwhile intervention.

Identification of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer in Korean Population: A Prospective Cohort Study

Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the global leading causes of death. These two disease entities are multifactorial disease that are caused by several factors. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the status of risk factors profiles and health related behavior in Korean population, and to discover novel risk factors associated with the occurrence of endpoint events.

BostonGene-Integrated Genomic Registry (BIGR)

The purpose of this project is to develop a comprehensive database of genomic, transcriptomic, molecular, and clinical characteristics of oncology patients to discover, define, and develop genomic and transcriptomic markers to improve future clinical outcomes across cancer types

Propofol vs Sevo for Paediatric Tumor Surgery

Background: Retrospective studies and meta-analyses have shown a reduction in 5-year survival following inhalational based compared to propofol based total intravenous (TIVA) anaesthesia for cancer surgery. To date there have been no prospective trials published which evaluate the effect of anaesthetic technique on circulating tumour cells (CTC), oxidative stress, and recurrence rate following cancer surgery. Children with cancer often require surgery for tumour excision as well as for other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. To date there has been no prospective randomized controlled trial evaluating the optimal anaesthetic technique for surgery on children with cancer. Aim: This is a pilot study in paediatric patients who require surgery for tumour excision. The aim is to investigate the effect of sevoflurane inhalational versus propofol intravenous anaesthesia on expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), circulating tumour cells, DNA damage and biomarkers of immunity and inflammation in patients before and after tumour surgery. The patients will be followed up for up to 5 years for tumour recurrence after surgery. Method: This will be a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. One hundred children undergoing tumour excision surgery at the Hong Kong Children's Hospital will be recruited and randomized to receive TIVA or inhalational anaesthesia. Baseline, intraoperative and postoperative blood will be taken for tests of immunity and inflammatory markers, DNA damage and circulating tumour cells. Patients would be followed up to 3 years for tumour recurrence and survival.

Impact of Lifestyle Modification on the Development of Dementia, Chronic Kidney Disease, Diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Cancers and Cardiovascular Disease in a Thai General Population

This is a community-based cluster randomized control trial aimed to investigate the impact of lifestyle modification (diet, physical activity, alcohol drinking and smoking) on the development of dementia, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease in an intermediate risk population in mixed urban-rural areas of Ubon Ratchathani.