Clinical Research Directory

Perioperative Durvalumab With Neoadjuvant ddMVAC or Gemcitabine/Cisplatin in Patients With Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (NIAGARA-2)

The Phase IIIb NIAGARA-2 study aims to expand on the data from the Phase III NIAGARA study by investigating perioperative durvalumab in combination with investigator-selected cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (either ddMVAC or gemcitabine/cisplatin) in a clinical practice setting.

Role of Methotrexate in Ultrasound Proven Synovitis in Primary Knee OA

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with limited treatment options and many patients suffering from chronic pain. Modern imaging has revealed that OA involves complex changes in cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovium. Pain in OA is often linked to synovitis, which is common in the condition. Methotrexate (MTX), a proven treatment for synovitis in inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and has a well-known safety profile. The proposal suggests that using MTX may have potential to treat symptomatic knee OA with USG (musculoskeletal ultrasound) proven synovitis by reducing synovitis and as a result, alleviate pain. Objectives: To assess the role of methotrexate in primary knee osteoarthritis associated with ultrasound proven synovitis. Methods: This randomized Controlled trial will be conducted in the department of Rheumatology, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) from July 2025 to June 2026. A total of 70 patients will be enrolled with primary knee OA diagnosed on the basis of ACR Criteria for Knee OA with informed written consent. MSK USG examinations of knee joint and scoring (OMERACT SCORE) will be performed to detect synovitis by a rheumatologist expert in MSK US. Then randomization will be done into group A and group B following a randomization table, each consisting of 35 patients. Consecutive sampling techniques will be followed. One group will receive MTX (start with 15 mg per week for the first 2 weeks then increase to 20 mg and continue for the remaining period if tolerated) and Both groups of patients will be allowed to take NSAIDs on a requirement basis with documentation and follow non-pharmacological treatment of OA. At the end of 3rd and 6th month pain and functional status will be assessed by WOMAC, VAS and quality of life will be assessed by using Bangla version of SF-12. At the end of 6th month improvement of synovitis will be seen by MSK USG of involved knees with OMERACT scoring. Primary endpoint for efficacy will be assessed at the end of 24th week by WOMAC. Secondary endpoints will be determined by VAS and SF-12. Adverse effects will be assessed by history, physical examinations and investigations. The data will be analyzed by using the latest version SPSS software (Version 29). Results will be recorded using means and standard deviations. Results will be compared among two groups with a 95% confidence interval and a p- value of \< 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. The degrees of statistical significance between groups will be analyzed by unpaired t test (for quantitative normally distributed data) and Mann Whitney U test if there is skewed distribution. Qualitative data in between groups will be analyzed by the chi square test. Probabilities of associations will be assessed by calculating Pearson's rank correlation coefficient. P-value \<0.05 will be regarded as statistically significant. The nature, purpose and implication of the study as well as the entire spectrum of benefits and risks of study will be explained to the patients. Privacy and confidentiality of the subject will be maintained. Each patient will enjoy the right to participate and or withdraw from the study at any point of the study period. Ethical clearance will be obtained from the institutional Review Board (IRB) of BMU.

Efficacy and Safety of Resveratrol in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effects of resveratrol on the clinical outcome(s) of patients with moderate rheumatoid arthritis. Objectives : 1. To investigate the effects of Resveratrol on inflammation and oxidative stress by measuring: * Serum Sirtuin 1(SIRT1) * Serum Myeloperoxidase (MPO) * Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) 2. To investigate the effects of Resveratrol on disease activity by measuring the disease activity (DAS28 score). 3. To investigate the effect of Resveratrol on improving the quality of life using the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability index (HAQ-DI). 4. To assess any adverse effects related to Resveratrol. Patients: Eligible patients (no=118) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of two groups: 1. Control group: 59 patients will receive the standard treatment for management of RA for 3 months. 2. Resveratrol group: 59 patients will receive the standard treatment for management of RA in addition to Resveratrol 1 gm daily, (Organix Egypt) (given as one 1000 mg tablets once daily) for 3 months.

Comparison of Azathioprine to Methotrexate in Combination Therapy With Adalimumab in Crohn's Disease: an Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial

Combination therapy, the association of an anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) to an immunosuppressant, is recognized as the most effective treatment during Crohn's disease (CD). Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the superiority of combination therapy over monotherapy, the additive effect of two effective drugs or the prevention of anti-TNF immunogenicity. As the best combination therapy is unknown, both azathioprine (AZA) and methotrexate (MTX) are used. Some retrospective studies suggest a higher effectiveness of AZA. MTX may have an advantage in terms of safety. The investigators hypothesize that AZA is more effective than MTX as combination therapy with adalimumab to improve short-term endoscopic, clinical and pharmacological outcomes in CD patients.

Local vs Systemic Methotrexate in Management of Uterine Ectopic Pregnancy

This study aims to compare local and systemic methotrexate in the management of uterine ectopic pregnancy regarding the duration of beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) clearance and need for further management options.