Hilo

Researchers are piloting CTNow, an educational program aimed at improving access and referrals to cancer clinical trials for patients and oncology providers in rural areas. The program targets cancer patients diagnosed with any type of cancer, focusing on those who have received treatment, are currently receiving treatment, or are expected to start treatment within 90 days. This intervention is designed to increase awareness and knowledge about clinical trials over an 18-month period. The study offers two education interventions: multimedia videos for patients and workshops conducted via Zoom for providers. These resources are intended to deliver information and support remotely, helping to bridge gaps in clinical trial accessibility in rural regions such as Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui counties. Participants will be involved in educational activities and monitored for changes in their understanding of clinical trials. The study measures how much patients' awareness and knowledge improve over the 18 months. Eligibility requires participants to be at least 18 years old, able to communicate in English, and residents of the specified counties. Individuals who have previously participated in a cancer clinical trial are excluded.

Researchers are evaluating how well inotuzumab ozogamicin works when combined with frontline chemotherapy in treating young adults aged 18 to 39 years who have newly diagnosed B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This Phase III trial aims to confirm the safety and effectiveness of adding inotuzumab ozogamicin, a monoclonal antibody that targets cancer cells, to a pediatric-inspired chemotherapy regimen called CALGB 10403. The study also explores the impact of this combination on survival, minimal residual disease, genetic factors, treatment side effects, and medication adherence. Participants begin with remission induction therapy that includes oral allopurinol, intravenous and intrathecal chemotherapy drugs such as daunorubicin, vincristine, dexamethasone, pegylated L-asparaginase, and methotrexate, along with bone marrow tests. Those who respond to induction are randomized to one of two groups: one receives standard chemotherapy courses including consolidation, maintenance, and intensification phases, while the other receives inotuzumab ozogamicin infusions in addition to the same chemotherapy regimen. Treatments are given by mouth, intravenous, subcutaneous, or intrathecal routes on specific days over several courses lasting up to three years for maintenance therapy. Throughout the study, participants undergo regular bone marrow biopsies, blood tests, and biomarker analyses to monitor disease status and treatment effects. Researchers assess event-free survival, disease-free survival, overall survival, treatment toxicity, genetic markers, and medication adherence using electronic monitoring. After treatment ends, patients are followed monthly for the first year, then less frequently up to ten years to track long-term outcomes and safety.

Researchers are evaluating a new imaging approach to better identify suspicious breast lesions that require biopsy in women currently recommended for biopsy. The study focuses on improving breast cancer diagnosis specificity by combining breast tissue composition analysis with traditional digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) imaging. The goal is to reduce unnecessary biopsies and increase the accuracy of detecting malignant lesions in women with dense breast tissue. The study uses an innovative imaging protocol called q3CB, which combines DBT volume reconstructions with dual-energy mammograms acquired through a clinical contrast-enhanced mammography protocol without contrast agents. This method measures the lipid, water, and protein composition of suspicious breast lesions alongside morphological and textural characteristics from DBT images. The study compares biopsy yield and cancer detection with and without q3CB in a clinical reader study involving 600 DBT exams. Participants undergo imaging assessments where researchers quantify the biological composition and morphology of breast lesions. The study evaluates how q3CB signatures may improve radiologists' ability to distinguish malignant from benign lesions and explores its potential use in screening for cancer subtype associations. The study aims to provide evidence for clinical use of this technology to improve biopsy decisions, with participant involvement including diagnostic mammograms and imaging analysis for a period consistent with the imaging procedure and evaluation.