Clinical Research Directory

Akt Inhibitor MK2206 and Hydroxychloroquine in Treating Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors, Melanoma, Prostate or Kidney Cancer

This phase I trial studies the side effects and the best dose of Akt inhibitor MK2206 together with hydroxychloroquine in treating patients with advanced solid tumors, melanoma, prostate or kidney cancer. Akt inhibitor MK2206 may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as hydroxychloroquine, 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 Akt inhibitor MK2206 together with hydroxychloroquine may kill more tumor cells than giving either drug alone.

Collecting Blood Samples From Patients With and Without Cancer to Evaluate Tests for Early Cancer Detection

This study collects blood and tissue samples from patients with cancer and without cancer to evaluate tests for early cancer detection. Collecting and storing samples of blood and tissue from patients with and without cancer to study in the laboratory may help researchers develop tests for the early detection of cancers.

Enzalutamide and Cabazitaxel in Treating Patients With Metastatic, Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

This phase I/II trial studies the side effects and best dose of cabazitaxel when given together with enzalutamide in treating patients with prostate cancer that has spread to other places in the body (metastatic) and has not responded to treatment with hormones or no longer responds to treatment with hormones (hormone-resistant). Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as cabazitaxel, 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. Androgen can cause the growth of prostate cancer cells. Hormone therapy using enzalutamide may fight prostate cancer by blocking the use of androgen by the tumor cells. Giving cabazitaxel together with enzalutamide may work better in treating metastatic, hormone-resistant prostate cancer.

Collecting and Studying Blood and Tissue Samples From Patients With Locally Recurrent or Metastatic Prostate or Bladder/Urothelial Cancer

This study collects and studies tissue and blood samples from patients with prostate or bladder/urothelial cancer that has recurred (come back) at or near the same place as the original (primary) tumor or has spread to other parts of the body. Studying samples of blood and tissue samples from patients with prostate or bladder/urothelial cancer in the laboratory may help doctors learn more about new biomarkers, potential drug targets, and resistance developing in response to treatment. It may also help doctors find better ways to treat the cancer.

Study to Detect Changes in Urinary and Gut Microbiome During Androgen Deprivation Therapy and Radiation Therapy in Patients With Prostate Cancer

This study collects urine and stool samples to determine the ability to identify changes in the microbiome (bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in the gut and urine) of patients with prostate cancer during androgen deprivation therapy and radiation therapy. Radiation therapy has the potential to harm the genitourinary area or the bowel, causing a feeling of urgency or increased inflammation in the area. The radiation therapy is designed to not irradiate the bowel and bladder areas, but there is still some radiation exposure. The gut microbiome has been associated with differences in inflammation as well as producing molecules that influence healing. The purpose of this study is to see whether the microbiome may contribute to the healing of the organs exposed to radiation. Information learned from this study may help researchers discover a new risk factor that could be manipulated to improve the quality of life in patients with prostate cancer.