Martinez

Researchers are evaluating treatments for patients with BRAF-V600 mutant melanoma that has spread to the brain. This phase II trial compares two combinations encorafenib, binimetinib, and nivolumab versus ipilimumab and nivolumab. The study aims to determine which approach is more effective at shrinking and controlling brain metastases, and it also examines survival, response rates, and treatment safety. Patients are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group takes encorafenib daily by mouth, binimetinib twice daily by mouth, and receives nivolumab through an intravenous IV infusion every 28 days. The other group receives nivolumab IV every cycle and ipilimumab IV over 30 minutes during the first four cycles, with cycles repeating every 21 days initially, then every 28 days. Treatment continues unless disease worsens or side effects become unacceptable. Participants undergo brain MRI scans before enrollment and throughout the study to assess tumor response using specific criteria. After completing treatment, patients are followed every six months for two years, then yearly up to three years. The study collects tissue, blood, spinal fluid, and stool samples for future research. Researchers monitor progression-free survival as the main outcome, along with overall survival, response rates, and treatment side effects.

Researchers are studying adults newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal, melanoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or non-small cell lung cancer who are planning to receive systemic cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors ICIs. The study aims to understand how cannabis and cannabinoid use relates to cancer-related symptoms over one year. This observational research includes patients treated in community oncology clinics and is sponsored by Wake Forest University Health Sciences. Participants complete surveys and allow medical record reviews throughout the study. The study tracks cannabis and cannabinoid use as well as perceived benefits, harms, and adverse effects monthly for 12 months following enrollment. An optional sub-study is available at select sites for patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving specific chemotherapy with ICIs. During the study, participants fill out monthly surveys about their symptoms and cannabis use. Researchers also review medical records to assess cancer-related symptoms and treatment progress. The main measure is cancer-related symptoms assessed monthly for up to one year. Secondary measures include cannabis use patterns and adverse effects. Participation involves ongoing survey completion and record review, with the total study duration lasting 12 months post-enrollment.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two types of Brain Health and Wellness classes for Veterans who have a history of mild traumatic brain injury mTBI and post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD. This pragmatic, randomized controlled trial aims to compare Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction MBSR with Brain Health education to see how each impacts mental health, cognitive function, and daily adaptability. The study is sponsored by the East Bay Institute for Research and Education and includes a 6-month follow-up to observe lasting changes. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two 9-week classes. The MBSR class meets once a week for 2.5 hours and involves mindfulness training, meditation, and yoga, led by a certified instructor. The Brain Health Education class also meets once weekly for 2.5 hours and focuses on lectures and discussions about brain function, aging, neuroplasticity, and recovery after brain injury. Both groups receive active interventions designed to support brain health and wellness. Throughout the study, participants undergo standardized psychological and cognitive tests before and after their assigned class to measure changes. Key assessments include the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory IV, PTSD Checklist, and cognitive control tests. Researchers monitor these outcomes within two weeks after completing the intervention and again at a 6-month follow-up. The total duration of participation includes the 9-week classes plus follow-up assessments to evaluate the interventions longer-term effects.

Researchers are collecting blood and tissue samples from people with and without cancer to help evaluate new tests that could detect cancer early. This study aims to create a set of blinded blood samples from both cancer and non-cancer patients to validate these tests, focusing on multiple cancer types and stages. The goal is to improve early cancer detection through laboratory research. Participants complete a questionnaire at the start and provide blood samples at registration and again 12 months later. Those diagnosed with cancer may also have tissue samples collected at these times. The study includes patients with various cancer types and stages, as well as individuals without cancer, with some allowing enrollment before full cancer confirmation under specific conditions. During the study, researchers review the collected samples and questionnaire data to assess test performance by tumor type and clinical stage at diagnosis. Participants are followed for one year after completing the study. Key measurements include the provision of a blinded reference set of cancer versus non-cancer blood samples to support future clinical trials focused on blood-based multi-cancer early detection.

This research aims to establish a national biorepository by collecting research data and samples from patients who experience side effects from immunotherapy treatments used in cancer care. It focuses on patients who have serious immune-related reactions, rare infections, or accelerated tumor growth after receiving immuno-oncology therapies. The goal is to help researchers better predict, prevent, and treat these side effects in the future. Participants will have tissue and blood samples collected within 72 hours after confirmation of a serious immune-related side effect and again one month later. For patients experiencing colitis, stool samples may also be collected. Alongside sample collection, medical records will be reviewed for up to one year. This study is observational and involves no experimental treatments. During the study, participants will provide biospecimens at two time points and allow access to their medical records for a year. Researchers will analyze these samples and clinical data to build a resource for future studies on immune-related adverse events. The main outcome is the establishment of this biorepository, which will be maintained for up to one year after enrollment.

Researchers are evaluating how to best recommend chemotherapy for patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or Stage III colon cancer based on the presence or absence of circulating tumor DNA ctDNA after surgery. This Phase IIIII trial explores whether ctDNA status can help guide decisions about the need for adjuvant chemotherapy and identify the optimal chemotherapy regimen for those at high risk of recurrence. Circulating tumor DNA is a promising biomarker that may detect microscopic residual cancer cells that traditional methods might miss. Participants are assigned to groups based on their ctDNA results after surgery. Those without detectable ctDNA ctDNA- may undergo serial monitoring without treatment or receive different chemotherapy regimens such as mFOLFOX6 or CAPOX for 3 to 6 months. Patients with detectable ctDNA ctDNA who have a higher risk of recurrence are randomized to receive either standard chemotherapy regimens like mFOLFOX6 or CAPOX for 6 months or a more intensive regimen called mFOLFIRINOX for 6 months. Central ctDNA testing is performed using the Signatera test to guide these assignments. During the study, participants have blood samples collected for ctDNA testing and undergo imaging scans to check for cancer recurrence. Researchers assess disease-free survival, overall survival, and chemotherapy compliance over several years. The study includes monitoring for safety and treatment effects, with follow-up planned for up to 5 years after randomization. Participants health status, laboratory tests, and tumor markers are regularly evaluated throughout the treatment and follow-up periods.

Researchers are assessing three different methods to prevent peripheral neuropathy caused by taxane chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel or docetaxel. This phase III trial compares cryocompression, continuous compression, and low cyclic compression therapies using the Paxman Limb Cryocompression System, which applies cooling andor pressure to the arms and legs. The study aims to see if any of these approaches can reduce the nerve damage that leads to numbness, tingling, or pain during chemotherapy. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups cryocompression therapy cooling plus moderate and low pressure, continuous compression therapy steady moderate pressure, or low cyclic compression therapy low pressure that cycles on and off. Each therapy is applied for 30 minutes before, during, and after each taxane chemotherapy infusion. Blood, serum, and plasma samples may be collected during screening and throughout the study. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires and undergo evaluations of nerve function and physical tests at multiple time points up to 52 weeks. Researchers will monitor side effects related to the devices, participant satisfaction, and chemotherapy dosing impacts. The main outcome measured is the occurrence of clinically meaningful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy at 12 weeks after starting treatment, with additional assessments over time to understand the therapies effects and tolerability.

Researchers are evaluating the effect of the Cost Communication and Financial Navigation CostCOM intervention on adherence to cancer care and financial burden in patients with malignant solid neoplasms. This study focuses on how financial hardship caused by out-of-pocket costs, employment changes, and insurance affects cancer treatment and quality of life. CostCOM aims to provide financial counseling and resource connections to reduce these burdens and improve adherence to care. Participants are randomized into two groups. One group receives a brochure describing financial navigation services Enhanced Usual Care, while the other group receives usual financial care plus CostCOM financial counseling sessions within 30 days of enrollment and again at 3, 6, and 12 months. Non-patient participants complete surveys and participate in interviews 15 to 39 months after the first patient enrollment. Participants complete surveys at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months to report on cost-related care non-adherence, financial hardship, financial worry, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. The study includes follow-up for 12 months after intervention completion. Non-patient participants also provide feedback on the CostCOM intervention through interviews. Researchers will monitor patient experiences and financial outcomes throughout the study.

Researchers are evaluating a treatment approach for early-stage hormone-sensitive, HER-2 negative breast cancer with an Oncotype recurrence score of 18 or less. This Phase III trial compares breast conservation surgery with endocrine therapy alone against breast conservation surgery with both radiation and endocrine therapy. The goal is to see if skipping radiation after lumpectomy is not worse in preventing cancer recurrence in the same breast. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive radiation therapy to the breast plus at least five years of endocrine therapy with drugs such as Tamoxifen, Anastrozole, Letrozole, or Exemestane. The other group will receive endocrine therapy only for at least five years without radiation. Radiation must start within 12 weeks of surgery if assigned. Endocrine therapy dosing and schedule are determined by the treating doctor. During the study, participants will have regular follow-ups up to five years to monitor cancer recurrence in the breast and elsewhere, survival, and breast preservation. Assessments will include clinical exams, imaging like mammograms or MRI, and pathology reviews. The main outcome is time to invasive or noninvasive breast tumor recurrence within five years. Some measures will continue through an average of 15 years, including breast conservation rates. Safety and overall health will be monitored throughout and after treatment.

Researchers are studying adolescent and young adult AYA cancer survivors who had Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma to understand how social and genetic factors affect their health outcomes after treatment. These survivors face unique biological, clinical, psychological, and social challenges that may influence their risks for illness and early death compared to older or childhood cancer patients. The study aims to identify conditions increasing these risks and to better meet the needs of AYA cancer survivors. Participants will complete questionnaires about their quality of life and provide blood samples at the start of the study and again at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. This observational study collects health and treatment information without administering any medical treatments. The study assesses social-environmental risks, individual resilience factors, and gene expression changes to understand their impact on survival and quality of life. Participants will be asked to fill out health-related questionnaires and provide blood samples multiple times over two years. Researchers will measure disease-free survival, overall survival, comorbidities, and quality of life during this period. The study involves ongoing monitoring through questionnaires and blood tests to gather detailed data on how social and genetic factors influence long-term outcomes for AYA lymphoma survivors.