Clinical trials

This is an observational study to evaluate hardware related and oncologic outcomes in adult patients with primary and metastatic spine disease undergoing separation surgery followed by radiation treatment.

Although nicotine pouches have been gaining popularity over the last few years, little known about how nicotine pouch users actually use these products. This study will be comprised of adults who use nicotine pouches. If eligible, participants will be asked to complete three study visits and participate in two switching periods where participants use study-provided nicotine pouches.

This clinical trial evaluates the effects a probiotic intervention has on the gut and vaginal microbiome in patients undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) or that has come back after a period of improvement (recurrent). Gut health is also known as the gut microbiome. The microbiome includes all of the bacteria and organisms naturally found in the digestive tract. Probiotics are dietary supplements containing live microorganisms that may help keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy. A probiotic intervention during platinum chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients may impact the gut and vaginal microbiota, quality of life, symptoms, and oncologic outcomes.

This clinical trial evaluates the characteristics of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) to determine if they are a comparable substitute to cigarette or smokeless tobacco (ST) products. ONPs contain nicotine but no tobacco and are used primarily by adult tobacco uses in the United States (US). ONPs are recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as having lower risk than combustible cigarettes and are approved as a modified risk tobacco product. While ONPs have lower toxic risk than other tobacco products, acute and longer term harm related to their use has not been studied. Information gathered from this study may identify product characteristics of ONPs that improve successful switching from high-risk cigarettes or ST to lower risk ONPs.

This clinical trial tests the effects of tobacco cut and nicotine form on the abuse liability in participants who use moist snuff (smokeless tobacco \[SLT\]). Two features of moist snuff that are key targets of manipulation from the tobacco industry and drivers of its addiction potential are length of tobacco cut (long versus fine) and nicotine form (low versus high levels of nicotine in the free-base form). Finer tobacco cuts and higher levels of free-base nicotine (FBN) result in faster, greater nicotine delivery. Researchers want to gain information on how certain characteristics of moist snuff affect how long people use it, how it delivers nicotine, or how much people like it. This clinical trial may provide justifications for local, state, or federal regulations aimed at reducing the appeal and addictiveness of moist snuff.

This clinical trial studies whether a navigation program improves survivorship support service participation among survivors of breast cancer that has not spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (non-metastatic). Advances in treatment have caused the number of breast cancer survivors to grow. As this number increases, there are reported unmet supportive care needs in this population, including psychological distress and limitations in physical functioning. To address these needs, many cancer centers offer programming on a variety of topics including psychological services, exercise counseling, and nutrition counseling. Research has shown that while interest in these survivorship programs is high, participation remains low, especially among minority women. Navigation is a healthcare service that is designed to guide a patient through the healthcare system and reduce barriers to timely screening, follow-up, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. The navigation program in this trial is specifically focused on helping breast cancer survivors schedule and attend survivorship consultation appointments as well as providing additional support to underserved/vulnerable patients. A navigation program may be effective in improving survivorship support service participation among non-metastatic breast cancer survivors.

This clinical trial explores the manipulation of e-cigarette (EC) nicotine to promote public health. Researchers are trying to understand and gather information about how the strength, form, and structure of nicotine in products play a significant role in their potential for addiction and how they might affect health risks. The information gained from this study may allow researchers to understand how these aspects of nicotine influence the potential for addiction, how people puff on ECs, how the body processes nicotine, and any potential harmful effects it might have on health. Exploring these specific characteristics of nicotine may also determine if an EC product standard could help identify optimal nicotine levels for users.

This clinical trial aims to evaluate user sensory experiences and smoking behavior when using IQOS heated tobacco products (HTPs) among adults who smoke cigarettes.

This clinical trial compares the effect of using weighted blankets versus regular blankets during first time infusions (e.g. chemotherapy, targeted therapy etc.) to decrease adverse side effects such as anxiety and distress in cancer (oncology) patients. Feeling safe, comforted, and grounded in the world are some of the benefits noted by individuals who use weighted blankets. Deep touch pressure (DTP) has been found to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety and is defined as a sensation one feels when being hugged, squeezed, or held. DTP affects the nervous system by creating a calming effect which may lower stress and increase feelings of well-being. The use of weighted blankets may help to manage anxiety and distress during chemotherapy or immunotherapy infusions.

This phase I trial is to find out the possible side effects of pembrolizumab and radiation therapy before and during surgery in treating patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer that remains despite treatment (persistent) or has come back (recurrent). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays or protons to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Giving pembrolizumab and radiation therapy before and during surgery may kill more tumor cells.

This study examines how the American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification Program, also called the ACS GSV Program, is implemented at the James Cancer Hospital. The program is designed to improve surgical care for adults age 65 and older by helping care teams identify and address age-related needs before, during, and after surgery. Older adults with cancer may have concerns related to physical function, memory or thinking, medications, social support, and goals of care. If these needs are not recognized, patients may be at higher risk for complications, longer hospital stays, readmission, or discharge to a facility instead of home. The ACS GSV Program includes standards for geriatric surgery leadership, goals-of-care discussions, screening for age-related vulnerabilities, care plans for identified needs, age-friendly perioperative care, and regular review of surgical outcomes. This study will evaluate how well these standards are adopted across surgical oncology services and whether implementation is associated with better outcomes, such as shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, fewer readmissions, and improved discharge outcomes. The results may help improve surgical care workflows for older adults undergoing cancer surgery.

This randomized, double-blind, crossover human laboratory study compares the abuse liability of cigarettes containing menthol and non-menthol cigarette variants, using the participant's usual brand menthol cigarette as a within-subject reference. Participants complete standardized laboratory smoking sessions, behavioral economic tasks, and a naturalistic observational period. The study examines differences in nicotine delivery, smoking behavior, and subjective effects across cigarette types in laboratory and real-world contexts.

This clinical trial identifies the needs and preferences of rural stage I-III postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancer survivors and evaluates the impact of an adaptive, online program, mobile (m)Health + ecological momentary assessment (EMA) intervention, on lifestyle modification and their weight loss efforts. Obesity, a condition marked by an abnormally high, unhealthy amount of body fat, is associated with lower physical and psychological well-being, higher risk of recurrence, and higher cancer-specific and all-cause mortality (number of deaths). Lifestyle factors, such as low physical activity and unhealthy diet, are the main contributors to obesity that are modifiable. Lifestyle weight loss programs focusing on modifiable factors can improve cancer-specific survival and many aspects of health, but access to these programs can be challenging in rural settings. A remote lifestyle program, adapted to individual goals and needs, may help promote healthy behaviors, improve cancer outcomes, and reduce disease burden in stage I-III postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancer survivors.

This clinical trial tests how well dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) with standard clinical evaluation works to assess treatment response for patients with pancreatic cancer that may be able to be removed by surgery (borderline resectable). Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) is a certain type of pancreatic cancer that involves the arteries or veins near the pancreas. With the right treatment before surgery, it can be removed (resected) successfully. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan creates clear images of the structures inside the body using a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer. DCE-MRI can be used to calculate the blood perfusion. Blood perfusion can show disease status. Using DCE-MRI as part of standard clinical evaluation may provide a more accurate treatment response assessment for patients with BRPC.

The proposed study is examining strategies for optimizing mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) programs. In doing so, it will assess the efficacy of two promising strategies, FIT kit materials and patient navigation delivery mode. These strategies may help to improve colorectal cancer screening rates.

The goal of this interventional study is to to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a focused upper body massage when offered after radiation treatments to participants diagnosed with breast cancer. Given the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints during radiation therapy delivery and acknowledging the emotional stress associated with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, the aims of this pilot study are to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness of a focused upper body massage, available after radiation treatments, on patient's muscle and joint achiness and disability/symptoms of the upper extremities; 2) evaluate the effectiveness of a focused chair massage, available after radiation treatments on health-related quality of life; 3) assess the need for repeating the pre-radiation simulation process and revising the established treatment plan; and 4) and evaluate patient acceptability of the massages offered during the course of radiation treatment.

This phase 1B trial tests the safety, side effects and best dose of rh-Hsc70- BZLF1 peptide complex (OSU-2131) with Stimulon (Trademark) QS-21 and evaluates how well it works in preventing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and related cancers in healthy volunteers and patients awaiting a solid organ transplant. Currently, patients who receive an organ transplant receive immune suppression therapy which can make it harder for the body to fight infections. This treatment also increases the risk for cancers that are triggered by the EBV. Vaccines made from synthetic peptide (RAKFKQLL) derived from the BZLF1 protein, may help the body build an effective immune response against EBV infections. QS-21, a saponin adjuvant, is a substance from plants that, when given with vaccine therapy, may improve the way the immune system responds to disease. Giving OSU-2131 with QS-21 may help the immune system fight EBV and protect against EBV infection and the cancers that it can cause in patients awaiting solid organ transplants.

The overall objective is to develop a clinical data registry that can be used to facilitate research with the ultimate goal of reducing the morbidity and/or mortality and improving the quality of life of patients diagnosed or living with hairy cell leukemia. With approximately 1,000 new cases of this rare disease identified in the US each year, HCL represents 2% of all cases of leukemia in adults. Considering the rarity of this chronic leukemia, the Hairy Cell Leukemia Foundation (HCLF), in partnership with investigators from its Centers of Excellence, seeks to develop a registry to help researchers identify new trends in outcomes, recognize the most effective treatments, discover previously unknown complications of the disease, and design clinical trials for new therapies.

This clinical trial compares the use of oral nicotine pouches to nicotine replacement therapy, consisting of nicotine patches and lozenges, to reduce cigarette use in smokers living in rural Appalachia. The lung and oral cancers that plague Appalachia are fueled by cigarette smoking. Oral nicotine pouches which contain nicotine but no tobacco leaf, present a new opportunity to reduce cancer risk among Appalachian adults who smoke. Oral nicotine pouches and nicotine replacement therapy may work well to reduce cigarette use for smokers in rural Appalachia.

This phase I trial finds out the best dose, possible benefits and/or side effects of papaverine when given together with chemoradiation intreating patients with stage II-III non-small cell lung cancer. Papaverine targets mitochondrial metabolism to decrease the cancer growth process. Giving papaverine with chemoradiation may work best to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

This clinical trial aims to see if patients with triple negative breast cancer can complete a biobehavioral stress reduction program that also addresses health related social needs (e.g., utilities, transportation, etc.). The stress reduction program is over ten weeks and includes stress reduction (e.g., progressive muscle relaxation), coping, problem solving, communication, and social support. Health related social needs will be evaluated at the beginning of the study, and referrals will be made to social work to help address those needs. The study will examine stress as reported by the patients and also use biological markers.

This phase I trial compares electronic cigarette (EC) user preferences and smoking behaviors of nicotine analogs to nicotine to improve the understanding of nicotine analog addictiveness. Over the last ten years, EC use has become a major concern due to its increased use among adolescents and young adults. Though progress has been made in regulating nicotine containing products, some companies have shifted toward producing products containing nicotine analogs. ECs are battery-powered electronic devices designed to atomize a nicotine (the poisonous chemical found in tobacco)-containing liquid solution for inhalation in a manner that simulates smoking a tobacco cigarette. When nicotine enters the body, it causes an increased heart rate and use of oxygen by the heart, and a sense of well-being and relaxation. Nicotine analogs are compounds that are similar to nicotine in their chemical structure. Some nicotine analogs have been shown to have nicotine-like effects; however, more research is needed to prove they function similarly to nicotine and/or have similar effects. Comparing EC user preferences and smoking behaviors of nicotine analogs to nicotine may help improve the understanding of nicotine analog addictiveness. Additionally, combustible cigarette smoking is well-known to have deleterious effects on cardiovascular health. High blood pressure is one of the major health consequences of cigarette smoking and can increase the risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Although ECs have been marketed as a less harmful alternative to cigarette smoking, clinical trials have shown that vaping ECs can also lead to acute increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Nicotine can alter vascular reactivity by promoting the release of vasoconstrictors and suppressing the production of vasodilators. No research has examined how the synthetic nicotine in ECs affects hemodynamics, vascular health, and endothelial function. Assessing acute cardiovascular responses to nicotine analogs is therefore critical to enhancing our understanding of the potential cardiovascular risks associated with vaping ECs containing synthetic nicotine.

This study evaluates the time spent on obtaining insurance approval and drugs, means of insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs for patients, and the surgical outcomes after neoadjuvant treatment is completed in skin cancer patients receiving "off label" and "on label" neoadjuvant treatment. "Neoadjuvant therapy" means cancer treatment given before surgery. However, in many instances, neoadjuvant therapy is used as an "off-label" approach for several types of skin cancers. "Off-label" means that the FDA has not yet approved its use for that type of cancer. Therefore, insurance approval of these "off-label" treatments could be delayed compared to label use, and "off-label" treatments may require several weeks of pre-authorization. There is evidence that the delayed start of cancer treatment can lead to poorer outcomes.

This study will evaluate the efficacy and non-inferiority of a non-surgical approach for the treatment of patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

This clinical trial compares virtual reality viewing of an unaltered streetscape versus a digitally manipulated opposite streetscape to assess the psychosocial response in participants. Visible measures of neighborhood factors might be associated with health outcomes and risk factors of those outcomes. Short-term exposure to virtual reality environments representing very high or very low levels of neighborhood physical disorder - presence or absence of garbage/litter, presence or absence of graffiti, presence or absence of an abandoned building, presence or absence of large dumpsters, poor or very well-kept building conditions, poor or very well-kept yard conditions, poor or very well-kept road verge conditions may be a safe and effective way to assess psychosocial response in participants.