Clinical Research Directory

Pseudomembrane Removal for Post-RT Nasopharyngeal Necrosis

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic nasopharyngeal pseudomembrane removal in reducing radiation-induced nasopharyngeal necrosis in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma who have received re-irradiation. This is a prospective, single-arm, multicenter interventional study. Participants with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma who develop pseudomembrane reaction during or after re-irradiation will receive endoscopic pseudomembrane removal. Based on published literature, the 2-year incidence of radiation-induced nasopharyngeal necrosis after re-irradiation is approximately 40%. This study expects to reduce the incidence to 20%. The primary outcome measure is the 2-year incidence of nasopharyngeal necrosis after re-irradiation. Secondary outcome measures include: necrosis-free survival, overall survival, progression-free survival, local regional recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, as well as safety and adverse events. A total of 40 participants will be enrolled from multiple hospitals in China.

Necrosectomy With Cryotechnology for Accelerated Removal

Pancreatic necrosis is a serious complication of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic necrosis involves the irreversible death of pancreatic tissue, which can lead to severe health issues, including infections and an increased risk of death. An endoscopic procedure called direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) is typically performed to remove this necrotic pancreatic tissue as a minimally invasive treatment. This procedure is performed using a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope and endoscopic instruments that are used with working channels through the scope. Current methods for removing necrotic tissue involve using endoscopic devices such as snares, baskets, nets, and forceps. However, these standard methods are often not very effective because the necrotic tissue can be sticky and hard to grasp. This DEN procedure is part of regular clinical care to treat this condition and remove necrotic tissue from the pancreas. For this research study, the same DEN procedure will be followed with the exception of the device used for the removal of the necrotic tissue. Instead of using forceps, snares, or other traditional tools, a cryoprobe will be used. Cryoprobes work by using extremely cold temperatures to freeze and adhere to the necrotic tissue, making it easier to remove. This method might be better because it can secure larger tissue samples and potentially reduce complications associated with traditional methods. Cryotechnology is successfully used in endoscopy to remove necrotic tissue, foreign bodies and more, but has not been extensively tested in pancreatic necrosis. Cryoprobes are FDA approved medical devices with an established safety record. They are used successfully in very sensitive areas such as the lungs. This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cryotechnology for DEN.