Bettendorf

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.

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 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.

Researchers are evaluating three different combinations of drugs to treat newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in patients who are considered frail or intermediate-fit and are not eligible for stem cell transplant. This phase III trial focuses on comparing these three-drug induction treatments followed by either double- or single-drug maintenance therapy. The study aims to determine which treatment combination better controls the disease and improves progression-free survival and overall survival. Patients are randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. Arm 1 (VRd-Lite) receives bortezomib by injection under the skin, lenalidomide by mouth, and dexamethasone by mouth during induction cycles, followed by lenalidomide alone for maintenance. Arm 2 (DRd-R) receives daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj injections, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone during induction, followed by lenalidomide alone during maintenance. Arm 3 (DRd-DR) receives the same induction as Arm 2, but maintenance includes both daratumumab and lenalidomide. Induction cycles last up to 9 cycles of 28 days each, and maintenance cycles continue every 28 days if the disease does not progress or toxicity occurs. Participants undergo assessments including tumor evaluations, whole-body imaging, blood tests, and quality-of-life questionnaires. After completing treatment, patients are followed every 3 months for 1 year, every 6 months for 2 years, and then annually for up to 10 years. Researchers will measure progression-free survival, overall survival, response rates, safety, minimal residual disease, and patient-reported health outcomes to understand the treatments' effects and support future care decisions.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two different monoclonal antibody treatments, rituximab and mosunetuzumab, for patients with follicular lymphoma that has a low tumor burden. This is a phase III trial aiming to compare how well these treatments work in preventing disease progression, transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma, or death. The study also looks at overall survival, response rates, event-free survival, and the frequency and severity of side effects. Specimens will be collected and stored for future research. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. In the first group, patients receive rituximab intravenously on the first day and then rituximab combined with hyaluronidase subcutaneously on several days during a 56-day cycle, repeated for up to five cycles if the disease does not worsen or cause unacceptable side effects. In the second group, patients receive mosunetuzumab subcutaneously on several days during a 21-day cycle, repeated for up to eight cycles under the same conditions. Both groups undergo CT or PET/CT scans and blood sample collection during treatment and follow-up. After completing the treatment cycles, patients are followed every six months for five years and then yearly up to a total of 10 years to monitor their health and disease status. Researchers collect imaging results, blood tests, and other assessments to track progression-free survival, overall survival, treatment response, and safety. The study measures how long participants live without disease progression or transformation and records any treatment-related toxicities throughout the study period.

Researchers are evaluating two digital mindfulness meditation programs to support mental health and well-being in younger breast cancer survivors who have elevated depressive symptoms. This phase III trial focuses on women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger who have completed their main cancer treatments at least six months ago. The study aims to compare a live, instructor-led online program to a self-paced app-based program and also to explore factors that might influence how well these interventions work, including psychological distress levels and social factors like race and education. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: a live online Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) program delivered over Zoom, a self-paced MAPs digital app, or a meditation-only control group. The live online program includes guided meditations, exercises to manage pain and emotions, and cultivating kindness, with daily home practice increasing from 5 to 20 minutes. The app program unlocks lessons sequentially as participants progress. Meditation use will be tracked across all groups to measure engagement. During the study, participants will report depressive symptoms two weeks after completing the intervention. Researchers will also collect information on emotion regulation strategies and social determinants of health, and monitor how much participants practice mindfulness to understand the programs' effects. The total intervention lasts six weeks, and participants must be able to use a digital device and communicate in English or Spanish. Safety and participation are closely monitored throughout the study.

Researchers are evaluating if adding adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) to ovarian function suppression (OFS) plus endocrine therapy (ET) improves invasive breast cancer-free survival (IBCFS) compared to OFS plus ET alone. This Phase III trial focuses on premenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer that is estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative, and has a 21-gene recurrence score between 16-25 for node-negative patients or 0-25 for patients with 1-3 positive nodes. The study addresses the need for better treatment options for younger women diagnosed with this type of breast cancer, as younger age is linked to worse outcomes despite standard therapies. Participants receive one of two treatments: either OFS combined with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) for five years or adjuvant chemotherapy followed by the same OFS plus AI regimen. The specific AI and GnRH agonist used, along with their dosing schedules, are chosen by the investigator, commonly including goserelin, leuprolide, or triptorelin administered monthly or every three months. Bilateral oophorectomy may be used instead of ovarian suppression if preferred. Endocrine therapy beyond five years is at the investigator's discretion. During the trial, participants will be closely monitored for invasive breast cancer-free survival over an 11-year period from randomization. Assessments include clinical evaluations, hormone receptor testing, tumor staging, and genetic recurrence scoring prior to enrollment. Safety and effectiveness data will be collected throughout the study, with particular attention to treatment side effects and long-term outcomes. The trial involves detailed eligibility screening and ongoing follow-up to ensure accurate measurement of the study's primary outcome.

Researchers are investigating treatments for patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma in this phase III trial. The study compares the effects of lenalidomide and dexamethasone given with or without daratumumab. These drugs work in different ways to stop tumor growth, and the combination with daratumumab, an immunotherapy, may better interfere with tumor cell growth and spread. The trial aims to assess overall survival, progression-free survival, treatment safety, and quality of life among participants. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group receives daratumumab intravenously on specific days across up to 24 cycles, combined with daily oral lenalidomide for 21 days and oral dexamethasone on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 for 12 cycles. The other group receives only lenalidomide and dexamethasone on the same schedule for up to 24 cycles. Treatment continues every 28 days until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur. During the study, participants undergo regular assessments including blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, imaging scans, and patient questionnaires to monitor treatment effects and quality of life. Researchers track overall survival for up to 15 years, evaluate minimal residual disease, and monitor medication adherence and adverse events. Follow-up visits occur every 3, 6, or 12 months after treatment ends to continue monitoring health outcomes.

Researchers are evaluating a screening and multi-sub-study randomized phase II/III trial called Lung-MAP, designed for patients with previously treated non-small cell lung cancer. The trial aims to establish a genomic screening method to assign patients to biomarker-driven or non-matched sub-studies. Depending on the cancer biomarker type, participants may receive new targeted cancer therapies or combinations compared to standard care, with the goal of approving new treatments. An optional ancillary study explores patient and physician attitudes about returning genetic findings related to germline mutations. The study involves testing patient specimens to determine eligibility for various sub-studies under the Lung-MAP protocol. Patients undergo screening to analyze tumor tissue and blood samples for biomarkers including PD-L1 and c-MET. Those requiring a fresh biopsy also submit blood for circulating tumor DNA testing. Sub-study assignment depends on the molecular profile results. This screening process includes both patients progressing after prior therapy and those pre-screened before progression on current treatment. Participants provide informed consent and tumor tissue that meets quality standards for testing. Researchers collect clinical data including smoking history and performance status. Outcomes focus on screening success, such as adequate tissue submission and matching to biomarker-driven sub-studies, tracked for up to three years. The study also monitors patient and physician knowledge and preferences regarding genomic findings. Participation duration varies based on screening and sub-study assignment.

Researchers are evaluating two chemotherapy treatments, mFOLFIRINOX and mFOLFOX, with or without the immunotherapy drug nivolumab, for advanced, unresectable, or metastatic HER2 negative adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, and stomach. This phase III trial aims to determine whether adding irinotecan to the usual FOLFOX regimen improves overall survival and other outcomes such as progression-free survival, response rates, and treatment tolerability. The study also explores biomarkers like PD-L1 combined positive score and cell free DNA to understand treatment effects better. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group receives fluorouracil, leucovorin calcium, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (mFOLFIRINOX) with nivolumab as needed, while the other group receives fluorouracil, leucovorin calcium, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX) with nivolumab as needed. All drugs are given intravenously. Throughout the trial, patients undergo MRI and CT scans and may provide blood samples for additional testing. During the study, participants are closely monitored for overall survival for up to two years after randomization. Researchers assess safety, side effects, and patient-reported outcomes to evaluate treatment tolerability. The trial also tracks progression of disease and response to therapy using imaging and other clinical evaluations. Participation includes regular imaging, blood collection, and completing questionnaires to help understand the impact of these treatments.