Clinical Research Directory

Pediatric PET/MR Image Registry

The purpose of this study is to compare whole body magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, whole body positron emission tomography (PET)/MR imaging, and (if available) PET/Computed Tomography (CT) imaging for the diagnosis of tumors in children and young adults. Sensitivities, specificities and diagnostic accuracies of the different imaging modalities will be compared for significant differences.

Application of Topical Oxygen Therapy Around Customized Healing Collar

The preservation and enhancement of peri-implant soft tissues are essential for the long-term success and esthetic integration of dental implants. Customized healing abutments have been introduced to support individualized soft tissue shaping; however, optimizing soft tissue healing around implants remains a clinical challenge. Oxygen plays a critical role in wound healing by promoting angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis. Topical oxygen therapy has shown promise in accelerating tissue regeneration, yet its application in oral implantology, particularly in conjunction with customized healing abutments, has not been adequately studied. This study aims to provide clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of topical oxygen therapy in improving linear and volumetric soft tissue changes around dental implants. The findings may guide clinicians in refining soft tissue management protocols and contribute to establishing evidence-based practices in implant dentistry.

Randomized Study Comparing Two Dosing Schedules for Hypofractionated Image-Guided Radiation Therapy

The purpose of this study is to find out which way of giving high-dose radiation works best for treatment of cancer that has spread to bone, the spine, soft tissue, or lymph nodes. This study will look at the effects, good and/or bad, of giving 27 Gy in three fractions (3 days) or 24 Gy in one fraction (1 day) using image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT). IG-IMRT is radiation that is given directly to the cancer site and reduces the exposure to normal tissue. Currently there are no studies that compare the effects of giving radiation in either hypofractionated doses (higher total doses of radiation spread out over several treatment days) or a single-fraction dose (entire radiation dose given in one treatment session). The patient may be asked to participate in an additional part of this study where we will get a a (DW/DCE) MRI before treatment start and within one hour after radiation treatment. If the patient is asked to take part in this portion of the study, all they will need to do is get up to 3 MRIs with standard contrast injection. The purpose of this is to see if as a result of the treatment there are changes in the blood flow going to the cancer which could suggest that the treatment may be successful. In addition some patients can present new lesions and may be asked if they would like to have these new lesions treated on the protocol. If they are given this option, this will not extend their follow up period. The follow up of the new lesions will match with the prior follow up dates.

Relationship Between Soft Tissue Volume and Gingival Phenotype: a Novel Classification System

Different classifications to describe alveolar ridge defects have been published over the past years but no single classification has been developed concerning soft tissue volume around teeth or dental implants. Moreover, while several studies investigated the effect of various augmentation techniques and materials on soft tissue volume change and volume stability there is a real gap of knowledge regarding how to evaluate the available soft tissue volume and when to consider it sufficient or deficient which would definitely improve clinical decision making and treatment planing. Therefore, our primary aim was to assess the application of a novel classification system based on the correlation between buccal soft tissue volume and gingival biotypes and, also to assess the sensitivity of such novel method.