Martinez

Researchers are evaluating two treatment combinations for patients with melanoma that has spread to the brain and has a specific BRAF-V600 mutation. This phase II trial compares encorafenib, binimetinib, and nivolumab against ipilimumab and nivolumab to determine which approach better controls and shrinks brain metastases from melanoma. The study also aims to assess overall survival, response rates, treatment duration, and side effects of each regimen. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives encorafenib orally once daily, binimetinib orally twice daily, and nivolumab intravenously every 28 days. The other group receives nivolumab intravenously and ipilimumab intravenously during the first four cycles, with cycles every 21 days initially, then every 28 days thereafter. Treatment continues unless the disease worsens or side effects become unacceptable. After treatment ends, participants have follow-up visits every six months for two years, then yearly until three years after starting the study. During the trial, participants undergo brain MRIs to monitor tumor response using standardized criteria. Imaging, tumor tissue, spinal fluid, stool, and blood samples are collected for research. Safety and effectiveness are carefully assessed through scans, physical exams, lab tests, and side effect monitoring. Progression-free survival up to three years after randomization is the main outcome. Participants remain in the study for about three years with periodic evaluations to track their health and disease status.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of cannabis and cannabinoid use on cancer-related symptoms in adults newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal, melanoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or non-small cell lung cancer. This study focuses on patients who are planning to receive or have recently started systemic cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1, PD-L1, or CTLA-4. The goal is to understand how cannabis use may be associated with symptom changes over time. Participants are enrolled in a non-interventional study where no experimental treatment is given. They complete surveys about their symptoms and cannabis use, and their medical records are reviewed regularly. The study tracks cancer-related symptoms monthly for up to 12 months after enrollment, allowing researchers to observe symptom patterns during ongoing cancer treatment. An optional substudy is available at select sites for patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving paclitaxel and ICIs. During the study, participants complete online surveys in English or Spanish at their convenience, either at home or in clinic. Medical records are examined to gather information on treatments and health status. The main outcome measured is cancer-related symptoms, assessed monthly for one year. Safety monitoring includes ensuring participants have an expected life expectancy of at least six months and are not enrolled in hospice. The study aims to enroll 2000 patients across multiple sites in the United States.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two types of Brain Health & Wellness classes on mental health in Veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This randomized controlled trial includes 120 Veterans and aims to compare the impact of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with a Brain Health education class on psychological, cognitive, and functional outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to either a 9-week Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction class that teaches mindfulness techniques, meditation, and yoga or a 9-week Brain Health education class that includes lectures and discussions about brain function and recovery after injury. Both classes are designed to be active interventions and are delivered over the same duration. Throughout the study, participants complete various standardized psychological and cognitive tests before and after the intervention and again at 6 months to measure lasting changes. Key outcome measures include the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory IV for functional outcomes, the PTSD Checklist for psychological outcomes, and cognitive control tests. The study also monitors participant well-being and tracks changes in symptoms related to brain injury and PTSD.

The goal of this trial is to determine the efficacy of advanced cognitive training for cancer survivors suffering from cancer- and cancer-treatment-related cognitive dysfunction. For millions of cancer survivors, cognitive dysfunction is a prevalent, severe, and persistent problem that has long been associated with poor work-related and health-related outcomes. Evidence suggests that a significant subset of breast cancer survivors (BCS) incur cognitive changes that may persist for years after treatment. Unfortunately, the scientific basis for managing these cognitive changes is extremely limited. Available evidence from pilot studies, including our work, suggests that advanced cognitive training, which is based on the principles of neuroplasticity (ability of brain neurons to re-organize and form new neural networks), may be a viable treatment option. However, previous trials to date have been limited by lack of attention-controlled designs, small samples of BCS, or limited outcome measures. Therefore, to overcome limitations of past studies and build on our pilot results, the purpose of this 2-group, double-blind, randomized controlled trial is to conduct a full-scale efficacy trial to compare advanced cognitive training to attention control in BCS.

Researchers are collecting blood and tissue samples from people with and without cancer to study and evaluate tests that could help detect cancer early. The goal is to create a blinded reference set of samples to validate blood-based tests for early detection of multiple types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, breast, lung, and others. The study also aims to assess how well these tests perform at the time of initial cancer diagnosis, considering different tumor types and cancer stages. Participants complete a baseline questionnaire and provide blood samples at registration and again 12 months later. Those diagnosed with cancer may also provide tissue samples at these times. The study includes patients aged 40 to 75 years, with cancer diagnoses at various stages or individuals without cancer. Special procedures are in place for patients with high suspicion of certain cancers before confirmation. During the study, researchers collect detailed information through questionnaires, blood draws, and tissue sampling to analyze test accuracy. Participants are monitored for up to one year after registration to follow outcomes. The primary measure is providing this blinded set of blood samples to help validate future cancer detection tests, supporting research that could improve early diagnosis and treatment.

This research collects data and biological samples from patients who have experienced side effects from immunotherapy treatments for cancer. The goal is to create a national collection of these samples and clinical information to help future studies understand, predict, prevent, and treat serious immune-related side effects, rare infections, or rapid tumor growth after immunotherapy. Participants provide tissue and blood samples when they join the study and again one month later. Some patients may also provide stool samples if they have certain side effects like colitis. Researchers also review participants' medical records for up to one year to gather detailed health information related to their treatment and side effects. During the study, patients undergo sample collections and have their health records examined. The main outcome measured is the establishment of a national biorepository containing these samples and data, which will be used in future research over the course of one year. This study aims to support better understanding and management of immunotherapy side effects in cancer treatment.

Researchers are evaluating how to best recommend chemotherapy for patients with colon cancer after surgery by using the presence or absence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood. This approach aims to identify microscopic residual tumor cells and may provide better risk prediction for cancer recurrence compared to traditional methods. The trial focuses on patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or III colon cancer who have undergone complete tumor removal. Participants will have their tumor tissue and blood tested centrally using the Signatera assay to determine ctDNA status. Patients without detectable ctDNA may avoid chemotherapy, while those with detectable ctDNA are considered at higher risk and will be randomly assigned to receive different chemotherapy regimens, including mFOLFOX6, CAPOX, or mFOLFIRINOX, given intravenously or orally over periods ranging from 3 to 6 months. The study includes initial screening, treatment, and possible second randomization for patients whose ctDNA status changes during monitoring. During the study, participants will undergo various assessments including blood tests, imaging scans, and performance evaluations to monitor their health and response to therapy. Researchers will track the time to ctDNA positivity and disease-free survival for up to 3 and 5 years, respectively. Safety and treatment effects will be closely observed throughout the study duration, ensuring thorough follow-up and monitoring for all participants.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. To compare the proportion of participants who develop clinically meaningful chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) at 12 weeks, in participants treated with taxane-based chemotherapy randomized to cryocompression therapy versus continuous compression therapy versus low cyclic compression therapy. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. To compare trajectories over time (6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks) by intervention study arm in clinically meaningful CIPN. II. To compare mean European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (EORTC-CIPN-20) sensory neuropathy subscale scores at 12 weeks by intervention study arm. III. To compare differences by intervention study arm at 12 weeks in changes from baseline in objective sensory and motor function tests (Neuropen, tuning fork, Timed Get Up and Go test). IV. To compare the proportion of participants who develop clinically meaningful CIPN at 12 weeks in a sensitivity analysis with dropouts treated as failures. V. To compare rates of adverse events related to study device at 12 weeks (including cold intolerance, skin changes, other adverse events \[AEs\] as assessed by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events \[CTCAE\]) between the three interventions. ADDITIONAL OBJECTIVES: I. To compare the proportion of participants who develop clinically meaningful CIPN separately at weeks 6, 24, and 52. II. To compare the proportion of participants who develop clinically meaningful CIPN at week 12 with additional covariate adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI). III. To compare differences by intervention study arm at 12 weeks in mean EORTC CIPN-20 motor subscale score and autonomic subscale score, and in mean individual Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29 domain (Physical Functioning, Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Sleep Disturbance, Social Functioning, Pain Interference, and Pain Intensity) scores. IV. To compare trajectories over time (6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks) by intervention study arm in mean EORTC CIPN-20 sensory neuropathy subscale score, motor subscale score, and autonomic subscale score; and in mean PROMIS-29 individual domains (Physical Functioning, Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Sleep Disturbance, Social Functioning, Pain Interference, and Pain Intensity) scores; and in changes in objective sensory and motor function tests (Neuropen, tuning fork, Timed Get Up and Go test). V. To evaluate the differences by intervention study arm in proportion of participants who develop clinically meaningful CIPN at 12 weeks by chemotherapy regimen. VI. To assess the effect of the intervention in reducing CIPN occurring in the upper extremities and, separately, in the lower extremities. VII. To explore the relationship between duration of intervention received at the prescribed level and outcome, analogous to a dose-delivered analysis in a treatment trial. VIII. To compare rates by study arm of CTCAE Grade 2 or higher sensory and motor neuropathy at 12 weeks. IX. To evaluate tolerability of cryocompression compared to continuous compression therapy and low cyclic compression therapy, as assessed by rate of temperature and/or pressure adjustments, interruptions, and early discontinuation of the device. X. To determine participant satisfaction of cryocompression compared to continuous compression therapy and low cyclic compression therapy, assessed by patient questionnaire. XI. To compare taxane dose-reductions, treatment delays/discontinuation due to CIPN, and relative taxane dose intensity and total taxane dose received, between intervention study arms. XII. To evaluate differences of intervention effect by sex, race, and ethnicity. XIII. To confirm pretreatment biomarkers of CIPN risk (vitamin D) and on-treatment biomarker changes indicative of CIPN severity (Neurofilament light chain, NFL) as well as additional biomarkers of interest generated in S1714 for validation. BANKING OBJECTIVE: I. To bank specimens for future correlative studies. OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 3 arms. ARM 1: Patients undergo cryocompression (cooling plus moderate and low pressure to the arms and legs) for 30-minutes pre-taxane chemotherapy infusion, during taxane chemotherapy infusion, and for 30 minutes after completion of each taxane infusion. Patients may also undergo collection of blood, serum and plasma samples during screening and on study. ARM 2: Patients undergo continuous compression (moderate, steady pressure to the arms and legs) for 30-minutes pre-taxane chemotherapy infusion, during taxane chemotherapy infusion, and for 30 minutes after completion of each taxane infusion. Patients may also undergo collection of blood, serum and plasma samples during screening and on study. ARM 3: Patients undergo low cyclic compression (low pressure that comes and goes to the arms and legs) for 30-minutes pre-taxane chemotherapy infusion, during taxane chemotherapy infusion, and for 30 minutes after completion of each taxane infusion. Patients may also undergo collection of blood, serum and plasma samples during screening and on study.

Researchers are evaluating the Cost Communication and Financial Navigation (CostCOM) program to see how it affects cancer patients' ability to stick to their care plans and manage financial stress caused by high out-of-pocket medical costs. Financial hardship from cancer treatment can cause delays or stops in care and lower quality of life. This study compares usual care with CostCOM, which offers financial counseling, education, and resource connections to reduce financial barriers and ease financial burden. Patients with newly diagnosed solid cancers are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives a brochure about financial navigation services, while the other group receives the usual financial care plus CostCOM counseling sessions lasting about one hour, given within 30 days after enrollment and then again at 3, 6, and 12 months. Non-patient participants involved in the study complete surveys and participate in in-depth interviews 15 to 39 months after the first patient enrollment. Participants are monitored for 12 months after completing the intervention. Researchers collect patient-reported information on care adherence affected by costs, financial hardship, worry about finances, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. They also assess patient and provider experiences with the CostCOM program, the accuracy of cost estimates communicated, and neighborhood characteristics. The study aims to understand how CostCOM impacts patients over time and their use of financial navigation resources.

Researchers are evaluating whether breast conservation surgery combined with endocrine therapy can achieve a similar rate of invasive or non-invasive ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) compared to breast conservation surgery followed by breast radiation and endocrine therapy in patients with Stage I, hormone sensitive, HER2-negative breast cancer with an Oncotype recurrence score of 18 or less. This Phase III trial builds on the established role of radiation after lumpectomy, aiming to identify if radiation can be safely omitted in certain low-risk patients to reduce treatment burden and side effects. Participants receive either breast radiation plus endocrine therapy or endocrine therapy alone. Radiation therapy involves external beam radiation to the whole breast with or without a boost, partial breast irradiation, or accelerated partial breast irradiation, starting within 12 weeks after the last breast surgery. Endocrine therapy is given for a minimum of 5 years, with the specific drug choice and schedule determined by the treating physician. Endocrine therapy may begin before, during, or after radiation therapy, depending on the treatment group. Throughout the study, participants undergo regular assessments including imaging such as mammograms or MRI within six months before enrollment, and clinical evaluations to monitor tumor recurrence. The main outcome measured is the time to invasive or non-invasive ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence over five years. Safety, adherence to therapy, and recovery from surgery are also monitored. The total participation period includes at least five years to evaluate long-term recurrence rates.